SC gives Ridge board statutory powers, raps govt over lapses

As toxic smog once again blanketed the Capital, the Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Delhi government for failing to protect the Ridge — the city’s “green lung” — and issued sweeping directions to safeguard it from encroachment and neglect.

- Abraham Thomas

The court gave statutory backing to the long-defunct Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB), expanded its composition, and directed it to function as a single-window authority for all matters related to the Ridge and the Morphological Ridge.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said, “The Board shall act as a single-window authority insofar as the Delhi Ridge and the Morphological Ridge is concerned,” while restructuring the DRMB as a 14-member body under the Environment (Protection) Act.