Pranav B Prem

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has directed multiple authorities, including the Delhi Forest Department, the South Delhi District Administration, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, to take immediate and coordinated measures to protect, fence, and restore forest land in South Delhi. The Tribunal observed that the forest parcels under consideration lacked proper demarcation, maintenance, and protective measures, and were found to be littered with solid waste and construction debris.

 

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The Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) was hearing Original Application No. 525/2022 – Laxmi v. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change & Ors.. The application was filed seeking remedial action against the degradation, encroachment, and neglect of forest land situated in South Delhi. The applicant alleged that notified forest areas were being misused and left unprotected, leading to large-scale dumping of waste and destruction of the natural ecosystem.

 

During the hearing held on November 11, 2025, the Tribunal took on record affidavits dated October 31, 2025, filed by respondents Nos. 7 to 12, and an additional response dated November 3, 2025, filed by respondent No. 3. Videos taken by forest officials depicting the condition of the concerned forest land were also presented before the Bench. Upon viewing these visuals, the Tribunal noted with concern that the forest land lacked fencing, signage, and sufficient vegetation cover, and that solid waste and construction debris were scattered throughout the site.

 

Taking serious note of these lapses, the Bench directed respondents Nos. 3, 13, and 14 to immediately secure the forest land by erecting proper fencing, which could also be developed through naturally grown hedges, and to install display boards warning against trespassing. The Tribunal further ordered these respondents to undertake dense tree plantation using the Miyawaki method, a technique known for creating self-sustaining native forests within a short time span. The authorities have been directed to submit an action taken report containing an action plan, budgetary allocation, and specific timelines for completion of the work.

 

In addition, respondent No. 5 has been instructed to ensure the removal of solid waste and construction and demolition debris from the forest area and to submit a compliance report supported by video documentation showing the completed work.

 

During the proceedings, Mr. Puneet Tiwari, Range Forest Officer (South Delhi), who was physically present, informed the Tribunal that certain forest parcels under the control of the Forest Department were landlocked and did not have any direct access. The Tribunal, taking cognizance of this issue, directed respondent No. 3 to file an affidavit detailing all such landlocked forest parcels along with their present status.

 

Furthermore, the District Magistrate, South Delhi, has been directed to examine the matter and submit a report to the Tribunal, outlining the factual situation and suggesting remedial measures to ensure proper access and protection of the affected forest parcels. The Tribunal directed that all affidavits, reports, and compliance documents be filed within one month and listed the matter for further hearing on January 5, 2026.

 

During the same hearing, Mr. Sidhant Bakshi, counsel appearing for respondents Nos. 3, 13, and 14, informed the Bench that his presence had not been recorded in the earlier order dated September 25, 2025. The Tribunal acknowledged this oversight and directed that the previous order be corrected to reflect his appearance, with the updated version to be uploaded on the Tribunal’s website.

 

In its concluding observations, the Bench emphasized the urgent need to conserve urban forest areas and to ensure that they are neither encroached upon nor degraded due to administrative negligence. The Tribunal observed that the protection of such forests is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, and preventing environmental degradation in metropolitan regions like Delhi.

 

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The NGT further underscored that the statutory obligations of the concerned authorities extend beyond mere demarcation or ownership of forest land. Their duties include active conservation efforts, waste removal, protection from encroachment, and sustainable afforestation initiatives, which together uphold both the constitutional mandate to protect the environment and the principle of sustainable development.The matter will next be heard on January 5, 2026, when the Tribunal will review the progress made in implementing the directed conservation measures and compliance reports submitted by the concerned authorities.

 

Appearance

Applicant: Mr. Shubhashish Roy, Advocate for the Applicant.

Respondents: None for respondent no. 1- MoEF&CC. Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta, Advocate for respondent no. 2. Mr. Aman Panwar and Mr. Sidhanth Bakshi, Advocates for respondents no. 3, 13 and 14. Mr. Virendra Singh, Advocate for respondent no.5. Mr. M.R Shamshad, Sr. Advocate with Mohd. Waseem Akram, Mr. Arijit Sarcar and Mr. Sarvar Raza, Advocates for respondents no. 7 to 12. Mr. Naveen Malik, Advocate for respondent no. 15

 

 

Cause Title: Laxmi v. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change & Ors.

Case No: Original Application No. 525/2022

Coram: Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)