High Court warns Delhi could become a "barren desert" amid heatwave

In light of the recent temperature surge in Delhi, the High Court has issued a stark warning that the national capital risks becoming a barren desert if the current generation continues to neglect deforestation issues.

This comes after Delhi's Mungeshpur area recorded a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, the highest ever in the city. However, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that a sensor malfunction had overstated the temperature by three degrees.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela of the Delhi High Court noted, "Judicial notice is taken of the fact that as recent as on May 30, the official temperature recorded in Delhi was 52.3 degrees Celsius. It is not far to see the day when this city may be only a barren desert, in case the present generation continues an apathetic view on deforestation."

The court's remarks came during a hearing on the protection of forests in Delhi. The High Court had previously appointed former judge Najmi Waziri as the chairperson of an internal departmental committee focused on forest protection. However, Waziri has been unable to fulfill his duties due to a lack of necessary infrastructure.

"This court cannot countenance a situation where the chairperson (Justice Waziri) is unable to discharge the responsibilities on account of lack of an office space or a secretarial and support staff or even transportation," the court stated. It directed the Department of Forest and Wildlife to expedite the provision of required resources, ensuring no further delays beyond June 15.

A report filed by advocate R Arunadhri Iyer indicated that the Delhi government had been informed of the infrastructure needs, including secretarial support and transportation for Waziri. The chief conservator of forests confirmed that the necessary approvals were pending with the minister concerned and would subsequently be placed before the Cabinet and the lieutenant governor.

The amicus curiae in the case emphasized the urgency of complying with judicial orders to provide the required infrastructure for effective administration and discharge of responsibilities by the committee chairperson. The court directed that all necessary developments be completed within 15 days following approval by the competent authority.

Additionally, the court accepted a recommendation to rename the committee, now to be known as the "Special Empowered Committee" instead of the "Internal Departmental Committee." The court reiterated that all relevant department officers must attend committee meetings, except under special circumstances, with prior notification to the chairperson.

These stringent measures aim to ensure the committee effectively addresses the worsening climatic conditions in Delhi. The committee, formed on December 21 of the previous year, includes the chief conservator of forests, the conservator of forests, the deputy conservator of forests (protecting and monitoring), and the concerned DCF. It is tasked with taking concrete steps for the protection, preservation, reclamation, and enhancement of both protected and deemed forests.

The Delhi government has been directed to provide suitable office accommodation for the committee and cover all its operational expenses, including suitable remuneration for its members.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 29, by which time all infrastructure and support requirements are expected to be in place and fully operational.