LG TS Sandhu approves reconstitution of Delhi Ridge Management Board
New Delhi, June 2
In a significant administrative step aimed at strengthening protection of the Capital's green ecosystem, Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu has approved the reconstitution and notification of the Delhi Ridge Management Board.
As per the release, the decision has been taken in pursuance of the Supreme Court's judgment in the matter of TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India and under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The move aims to overhaul ridge governance through a coordinated, multi-agency statutory framework focused on ecological balance, climate resilience, and protection of Delhi's ridge ecosystem.
The Ridge in Delhi is owned by the Delhi Development Authority, while the Environment and Forest Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) is responsible for its maintenance. Enforcement responsibilities rest with multiple agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Revenue Department, and Delhi Police.
Under the reconstituted framework, the Chief Secretary of GNCTD will serve as Chairperson of the Board, while the Vice-Chairman of DDA will be a member. Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will also be part of the body.
Senior officials from civic agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and NDMC, will be included, alongside enforcement representatives from CPWD, Delhi Police, Revenue Department, and Environment & Forest Department. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, GNCTD, will serve as Member-Secretary.
The Board will also include experts and non-government representatives, including retired IFS officer Arvind Madhav Singh, CEO of Centre for Sustainable Green Economy, and Malvika Kaul from the Sankala Foundation, to strengthen research-based and community-driven environmental initiatives.
The powers, duties, and operational functions of the Standing Committee are legally bound to be co-extensive with those of the main DRMB, operating under the direct guidance and control of the Board to ensure absolute accountability.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good decision, but I have one concern: all these big names and officials—Chief Secretary, DDA, MCD—but will the common citizen have any say? The Ridge belongs to us too. Also, why is Delhi Police included? For patrolling or to harass morning walkers? Just saying, let's keep it transparent and inclusive.
As someone who grew up in Delhi, I love that the Ridge is being taken seriously. The inclusion of NGOs like Sankala Foundation is smart—local communities often have the best ideas. Just hope this doesn't end up being another paper committee. Action speaks louder than notifications.
Supreme Court ke order ke baad kuch toh hua! I've seen the Ridge being slowly eaten up by construction and garbage. This multi-agency approach is necessary, but please ensure there's a single helpline for complaints. Coordination ke naam pe kammission nahi honi chahiye. Sab ek saath kam karein toh hi hoga. 👏
Great to see experts like Arvind Madhav Singh on the board—someone who actually knows forests. But I wish the list included a climate scientist or an urban ecologist. The Ridge isn't just a forest patch; it's a climate buffer for Delhi. Let's think long-term: tree cover, biodiversity corridors, and water conservation.
Ek baat toh clear hai: jab tak public participation na ho, tab tak ye sab boards sirf kagaz par rahenge. I appreciate the notification, but where is the plan for regular cleanliness drives and plantation? Also, Delhi Police ko bas fine karne ke liye nahi
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