Statutory Delhi Ridge Board Constituted To Protect Capital’s Green Lungs

The Union environment ministry has reconstituted the Delhi Ridge Management Board with statutory powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, fulfilling a Supreme Court directive aimed at strengthening protection of Delhi’s ecologically critical Ridge. The move places all decisions on permissions, monitoring and enforcement under a single empowered authority.

Supreme Court’s Direction And Need For Statutory Backing

The court observed that the earlier board, created through executive orders, lacked enforceability and suffered from overlapping jurisdictions. By invoking Section 3(3) of the EP Act, the newly constituted board now holds binding authority to act against encroachments, regulate land use and oversee afforestation. The court underscored that without such backing, effective protection of the Ridge’s ecology would remain unattainable.

Structure, Mandate And Reporting Requirements

The reconstituted board comprises 13 members and is chaired by the Delhi chief secretary. It includes representatives from the Union environment ministry, housing and urban affairs ministry, the Central Empowered Committee, along with two civil society experts. A designated member from the CEC will report quarterly to the Supreme Court on the functioning of the board and its standing committee, ensuring continuous judicial oversight.

Conservation Challenges And Expert Concerns

Although the 2021 Master Plan identifies 7,777 hectares as Ridge land, only a small fraction has formal protection under the Forest Act. Experts argue that encroachments—particularly in the southern Ridge—have long been documented but seldom removed. They caution that statutory status alone may not guarantee swift remediation unless enforcement improves and inter-agency cooperation strengthens.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The DRMB now functions under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The Ridge spans 7,777 hectares across four zones in Delhi.
• Only 103.48 hectares have been notified under the Forest Act so far.
• A Central Empowered Committee representative must report to the Supreme Court every three months.

Ecological Importance And Restoration Priorities

The Ridge performs critical environmental roles, from moderating heat and filtering pollutants to supporting wildlife and groundwater recharge. Conservationists stress the need for decisive action—removal of illegal constructions, prevention of land-use change and ecological restoration of degraded patches. The strengthened board is expected to bridge longstanding governance gaps and reinforce protection of Delhi’s most vital natural landscape.