Increasing Green Cover Effective Solution For Delhi's Poor AQI, Says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday orally commented that planting of more trees can improve the Air Quality Index of Delhi-National Capital Region.

The Court made this observation while passing an order in relation to the constitution of the expert committee to oversee the afforestation program to compensate for the tree felling in Delhi's ridge.

Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar, the amicus curiae in the case, mentioned the matter before the bench led by the Chief Justice of India, for the replacement of the expert committee member Mr.Ishwar Singh, who was recently appointed as a member of the National Green Tribunal. Kumar suggested two names, out of whom chose Mr MD Sinha, retired Indian Forest Service officer.

Kumar also pointed out that the bench led by Justice AS Oka (since retired) had passed orders to increase Delhi's green cover, and asked the present committee to oversee that program as well. Agreeing to list that matter also, the CJI said, "this is of some relevance to Delhi's AQI. There is some interconnection. It will have a bearing."

"When we are fighting for the improvement of AQI, increasing green cover is one of the most viable, effective and long drawn solution," CJI commented.