Statutory Status for Delhi Ridge Governance
Statutory Delhi Ridge Board and Protection of Capital Green Cover: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has constituted the Delhi Ridge Management Board with statutory powers.
The board has been notified under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, giving it legal authority. This move implements a clear Supreme Court directive aimed at strengthening governance of the Delhi Ridge. All permissions, monitoring, and enforcement related to the Ridge will now rest with a single empowered body.
Supreme Court Intervention and Legal Basis
The Supreme Court of India observed that earlier Ridge protection mechanisms lacked enforceability.
The previous board functioned only through executive orders and had no statutory backing.
Invoking Section 3(3) of the EP Act enables the Union government to constitute authorities for environmental protection.
The court stressed that without binding powers, ecological protection of the Ridge would remain ineffective.
Static GK fact: Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving environmental quality.
Composition of the Delhi Ridge Management Board
The reconstituted board consists of 13 members.
It is chaired by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, ensuring administrative coordination.
Members include officials from the Union Environment Ministry, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Central Empowered Committee.
Two civil society experts with environmental experience are also part of the board.
This composition aims to balance governance, technical expertise, and public interest.
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism
A key feature of the statutory board is continuous judicial oversight.
A designated Central Empowered Committee member must submit reports to the Supreme Court every three months.
The reports will cover the functioning of the board and its standing committee.
This mechanism ensures accountability and prevents dilution of conservation objectives.
Static GK Tip: The Central Empowered Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court to monitor environmental compliance in forest and wildlife matters.
Extent of Delhi Ridge and Conservation Gaps
As per the Delhi Master Plan 2021, the Ridge covers 7,777 hectares across the city.
It is divided into Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge zones.
However, only 103.48 hectares have been formally notified under the Indian Forest Act.
This limited legal protection has enabled long-standing encroachments, especially in the Southern Ridge.
Ecological Significance of the Ridge
The Delhi Ridge acts as the city’s green lungs.
It moderates urban temperatures, absorbs air pollutants, and supports biodiversity.
The Ridge also plays a role in groundwater recharge and soil conservation.
Its degradation directly impacts urban climate resilience and public health.
Static GK fact: The Delhi Ridge is an extension of the Aravalli hill system, one of the oldest fold mountains in the world.
Way Forward for Effective Protection
Experts note that statutory status alone is insufficient without strict enforcement.
Removal of illegal constructions and prevention of land-use change remain critical priorities.
The new board is expected to improve inter-agency coordination and compliance.
Effective implementation can transform the Ridge into a resilient ecological buffer for the national capital.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Statutory Delhi Ridge Board and Protection of Capital Green Cover:
| Topic | Detail |
| Statutory authority | Delhi Ridge Management Board |
| Legal provision used | Section 3(3) of Environment Protection Act, 1986 |
| Chairperson | Chief Secretary of Delhi |
| Total members | 13 |
| Ridge area | 7,777 hectares |
| Forest Act notification | 103.48 hectares |
| Oversight body | Supreme Court of India |
| Reporting frequency | Once every three months |
| Ecological role | Air purification, heat moderation, groundwater recharge |
