Take action on tree felling in biodiversity park: HC to DDA

Delhi High Court today directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to immediately act against felling of trees in Aravalli Biodiversity Park here, on a plea claiming that such activities would adversely impact the environment and increase air pollution in the city.
A bench of justices B D Ahmed and Ashutosh Kumar further said that the authorities concerned, under whom the park falls, should also stop all encroachments in it.
"DDA shall take immediate action and stop alleged felling of timber trees. It should also stop encroachments taking place in the Aravalli Biodiversity Park," it said, adding that "in case such activities are being carried out, steps be taken to stop that immediately".

The court's order came on an application filed in the ongoing PIL initiated by it on the issue of air pollution in the national capital.
The amicus curiae, who was appointed by the court, to assist it in the matter has moved an application to implead the Delhi and the national biodiversity authorities as parties to the proceedings, as they have control over Aravalli Biodiversity Park.
Taking note of this, the bench issued notice to the authorities and sought their replies by January 12.

The plea has sought direction to the authorities to prevent and prohibit any exploitation of any areas of the Aravalli Biodiversity by encroachments or change of land use of any nature and prevent of felling of trees in the park.

"If illegal felling of timber in Aravalli Biodiversity Park are not stopped and encroachments prohibited, the park will be destroyed and the ecosystem and environment damaged will be beyond repair," the application said, adding this was not the first instance where the Aravallis have come under abuse and exploitation.
While courts have issued directions from time to time to concerned government agencies for protection of the forests, "however incidents of deforestation are still rampant. These sensitive natural areas are being exploited in connivance with the personnel who are duly bound to protect them," it said.
The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is an area spread over 692 acres (2.80 km2) on the South Central Delhi Ridge within the Aravalli Range. The area is confined by JNU, Mehrauli- Mahipalpur Road, NH-8, Vasant Kunj, Masoodpur, Palam Road and the southern Vasant Vihar. Delhi Development Authority and University of Delhi, under the joint Biodiversity Parks Programme, maintain the area.