‘Lungs Of Delhi’ To Get Legal Protection: NGT Records Assurance On Ridge Notification Approved By CM And LG
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench at New Delhi, on October 16, 2025, recorded the assurance of the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi that the final notification declaring 4,080.82 hectares of the Ridge area as a protected forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 has been approved and will be published within three weeks. The Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), was hearing Execution Application No. 32/2024 in OA No. 10/2014 (Pavit Singh v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.), Execution Application No. 39/2024 in OA No. 58/2013 (Sonya Ghosh v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.), and Original Application No. 1188/2024, which all relate to the preservation, protection, and legal notification of Delhi’s Ridge area — often referred to as the “lungs of Delhi.”
Delhi Government’s Submission
Appearing before the Bench, counsel for the Government of NCT of Delhi informed that the final notification under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 had received the approval of both the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor. It was stated that while the English version of the notification has already been finalized, translation into Hindi is in progress and will be completed shortly, after which the notification will be published within three weeks. The government clarified that this notification pertains to Phase I, covering an area of 4,080.82 hectares, which will be officially notified as a protected forest under the Indian Forest Act. This forms part of the broader, long-pending initiative to grant statutory protection to Delhi’s Ridge — a crucial ecological zone that plays a vital role in maintaining the city’s environmental balance.
Tribunal’s Directions
Taking note of the submission, the Tribunal directed the Government of NCT of Delhi to file an affidavit immediately after three weeks, placing on record the final notification. The Bench stated that the affidavit would serve to confirm that the statutory process under Section 20 has been duly completed and the notification formally issued. Accordingly, the matter was listed for further hearing on November 19, 2025, to review the government’s compliance and to ensure that the notification is published and recorded as part of the proceedings.
The case represents a continuation of the Tribunal’s long-standing efforts to ensure the legal protection of the Delhi Ridge, which is a continuation of the Aravalli Range and plays a critical role in regulating air quality, controlling dust storms, and preventing desertification in the National Capital Region. Over the years, several petitions, including those filed by environmentalist Sonya Ghosh and applicant Pavit Singh, have sought enforcement of NGT’s previous directions to preserve the Ridge from encroachments, illegal constructions, and dumping of debris. The Tribunal has consistently recognized the Ridge as an environmentally sensitive zone, crucial for Delhi’s ecological sustainability.
During earlier hearings, Senior Advocate Raj Panjwani, acting as Amicus Curiae, had underscored the urgent need for the Delhi Government to complete the notification process, emphasizing that legal recognition under the Indian Forest Act would give the Ridge statutory protection and administrative accountability for its conservation. The Tribunal, in its earlier orders, had directed various authorities — including the Forest Department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) — to strictly prevent any form of encroachment or dumping activities within Ridge areas. These directions were reinforced in multiple proceedings where the NGT had described the Ridge as a “vital ecological shield” for the capital.
Ecological and Legal Impact
Once the notification under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 is formally published, the Ridge area will come under a legally enforceable framework of protection, meaning that no non-forest use will be permitted without prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This legal status is expected to significantly strengthen conservation measures and prevent further environmental degradation. The Ridge, divided into distinct zones such as the Northern, Central, and Southern Ridge, has long faced threats from urban development and land-use conflicts. Granting it protected forest status marks a crucial step in Delhi’s environmental governance, ensuring that the area continues to function as the city’s natural carbon sink and air filter.
By acknowledging the approval of the final notification and setting a timeline for its publication, the NGT has taken a significant procedural step toward securing legal protection for Delhi’s Ridge — the city’s most important ecological asset. The matter will now be monitored by the Tribunal, which will review the government’s affidavit and the final publication status on November 19, 2025, ensuring that Delhi’s “lungs” receive the statutory protection long promised.
Appearance
Applicant: Mr. Pavit Singh, Applicant in Person in E.A No. 32/2024 Mr. Raj Panjwani, Senior Advocate (Amicus Curiae) with Mr. Aayushman Aeron, Adv. in E.A No. 39/2024
Respondents: Mr. Aman Panwar, Mr. Siddhant Buxy, Ms. Shambhavi Padhye & Mr. Manav Kaushik, Advs. for GNCTD Ms. Suhasini Sen & Ms. Masooma Rizvi, Advs. for MoEF & CC Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta & Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advs. for DM South, GNCTD (Through VC) Ms. Puja S. Kalra & Mr. Virendra Singh, Advs. for MCD Mr. Gigi. C. George & Mr. Sunil Kumar, Advs. for Delhi Police Ms. Malvika Kapila & Ms. Apoorva Jain, Advs. DDA in E.A. No. 39/2024 (Through VC)
Cause Title: Pavit Singh v. State (NCT of Delhi) & Ors.; Sonya Ghosh v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.; News Item titled “Why efforts to reclaim the Ridge Delhi’s lungs is no easy task”
Case No: Execution Application No. 32/2024 In Original Application No. 10/2014
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
