The Supreme Court on Friday heard a mentioning concerning alleged felling of trees in the Delhi Ridge area, with the Chief Justice of India observing that planting of trees would also help in bringing down the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI).

During the mentioning, submissions were made regarding ongoing greening efforts in connected proceedings. Counsel referred to earlier contempt proceedings in which a Bench headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka had initiated suo motu action for greening of the area and passed multiple directions, including appointment of the Forest Research Institute as the nodal agency along with an expert committee to oversee the entire exercise, including budgeting and implementation.

The Court appoints Shri M.D. Sinha to assist in the process. The Court was informed that the scope of the earlier proceedings included conducting a census of trees and undertaking sustained greening measures as a long-term solution.

The Chief Justice of India indicated that once the relevant details are furnished, appropriate directions could be considered without waiting for a prolonged adjournment. The matter is listed for Monday for directions.