National Green Tribunal Directs Comprehensive Action Plan for South Delhi Forest Conservation

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 steps to protect, fence, and restore forest land in South Delhi.

The Tribunal observed that the forest area in question lacked proper demarcation and maintenance, was strewn with solid waste and construction debris, and had no warning boards or dense tree cover.

The Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) was hearing Original Application No. 525/2022, filed by Laxmi against the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and several other respondents.

The matter pertains to degradation, encroachment, and improper management of notified forest parcels situated in South Delhi, which, according to the applicant, are being misused and left without protective measures.

During the hearing, the Tribunal took on record affidavits filed by multiple respondents, dated October 31, 2025, by respondents Nos. 7 to 12, and an additional response dated November 3, 2025, by respondent No. 3.

Videos recorded by forest officials showing the condition of the land were also played before the Bench. Upon viewing these visuals, the Tribunal noted with concern that the forest land in the possession of the Forest Department did not have the requisite fencing or natural barriers to prevent trespassing.

It further observed the absence of display boards warning against illegal entry and the presence of solid waste and construction or demolition debris around the forest boundaries. The Tribunal remarked that there was also a lack of sufficient plantation or forest density on the land.

Taking serious note of the lapses, the Bench issued multiple directions aimed at ensuring immediate protection and ecological restoration. The Tribunal directed respondents Nos. 3, 13, and 14 to take appropriate steps for securing the forest land by erecting proper fencing, which may also be developed through naturally grown hedges, and to install display boards warning against trespassing.

These respondents have also been directed to carry out dense tree plantation using the Miyawaki method, a technique known for creating self-sustaining native forests in a short time. The authorities must submit an action taken report accompanied by an action plan, budgetary allocation, and specific timelines for completion.

Respondent No. 5 has been tasked with ensuring the removal of solid and construction debris from the forest land and submitting an action taken report supported by a video recording to the Tribunal showing compliance.

During the proceedings, Mr. Puneet Tiwari, Range Forest Officer (South Delhi), who was physically present, informed the Bench that some forest parcels under the Forest Department’s control were landlocked and lacked any direct access.

The Tribunal, taking note of this, directed respondent No. 3 to file an affidavit detailing all such landlocked forest parcels and their current status.

The District Magistrate (South Delhi) has also been directed to look into the matter and submit a report to the Tribunal giving the factual position and the remedial measures required to ensure proper access and protection of the affected forest parcels.

All affidavits, compliance documents, and reports directed by the Tribunal are to be filed within one month. The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 5, 2026.

During the same hearing, the Tribunal also recorded a clarification regarding the order dated September 25, 2025. Counsel Mr. Sidhant Bakshi, who appeared for respondents Nos. 3, 13, and 14, submitted that his presence had not been marked in the earlier order.

Acknowledging this, the Tribunal directed that the order dated September 25, 2025, be corrected to include his appearance, and the corrected version be uploaded on the Tribunal’s website.

The Bench emphasized the urgent need to protect urban forest land and to ensure that such areas are not encroached upon or degraded due to administrative inaction. It observed that the protection of forest areas is essential to preserve ecological balance, mitigate urban heat, and prevent environmental degradation.

The Tribunal underscored that the statutory obligations of the authorities extend beyond mere demarcation to include active conservation, waste removal, and plantation efforts, reflecting both the constitutional duty to protect the environment and the principle of sustainable development.

Appearances: For Applicant: Mr. Shubhashish Roy, Advocate, For Respondent No. 1 (MoEF&CC): None appeared, For Respondent No. 2: Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta, Advocate, For Respondents Nos. 3, 13, and 14: Mr. Aman Panwar and Mr. Sidhant Bakshi, Advocates, For Respondent No. 5: Mr. Virendra Singh, Advocate, For Respondents Nos. 7 to 12: Mr. M.R. Shamshad, Senior Advocate with Mohd. Waseem Akram, Mr. Arijit Sarcar, and Mr. Sarvar Raza, Advocates, For Respondent No. 15: Mr. Naveen Malik, Advocate

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

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

Date of Order: November 11, 2025