India

Delhi High Court Appoints Chief Secretary To Prevent Tree Felling For Delhi University Expansion

The Delhi High Court has appointed the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government as the nodal authority to develop a procedure to prevent the felling or transplantation of trees for the expansion or infrastructure development of the north campus of Delhi University. In a recent order, Justice Jasmeet Singh instructed the Chief Secretary to convene all relevant stakeholders, including the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), amici curiae (advocates Aditya N Prasad, Gautam Narayan, and Prabhasahay Kaur), municipal authorities, and any other necessary agencies, to explore alternatives for expanding the university’s existing facilities vertically or underground instead of horizontally. Horizontal expansion is likely to involve the felling or transplantation of many trees.

Justice Singh emphasized the urgency of this task, recognizing the need to expand the university while protecting the environment. Additionally, the court directed the Director of the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) at the old JNU campus to maintain the status quo regarding tree felling at the institute.

Also read: Karnataka Raises Petrol And Diesel Prices by ₹3 Per Liter

The court also highlighted that the role of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) extends beyond merely granting permission for tree felling. The DCF is responsible for ensuring that permissions granted are implemented with the right spirit and intention, and must verify compliance with compensatory plantation and transplantation requirements. The court’s directives were issued during the hearing of a contempt petition alleging that the concerned officer had failed to comply with a previous court order.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

PM Modi Highlights Panchayats’ Role; Links Bihar’s Legacy To National Growth

PM Modi, in Madhubani on Panchayati Raj Day, emphasised strengthening panchayats and linking Bihar’s culture…

22 mins ago

PM Modi Highlights India’s Growing Steel Sector At India Steel 2025 Conference

PM Modi discusses India’s expanding role and future vision in the global steel industry at…

59 mins ago

Adani Energy Solutions Posts Record Profit In FY25; PAT Doubles To Rs 2,427 Crore

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) posted a record FY25 performance, with PAT soaring 103% YoY…

1 hour ago

MCD Mazdoor Sangh Felicitates Amit Kumar Sharma For Promotion And Service

On 21 April 2025, the Delhi Municipal Corporation Engineering Dept Mazdoor Sangh honoured Amit Kumar…

2 hours ago

Calcutta High Court Observes Silence For Pahalgam Victims; Tribute Resonates Across West Bengal Judiciary

The Calcutta HC observed a two-minute silence to honour Pahalgam terror attack victims, following Chief…

2 hours ago

Pahalgam Terror Attack Was Masterminded By Pakistan, Says CWC Resolution

The CWC on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and directly blamed Pakistan for orchestrating…

2 hours ago