Delhi High Court
– Photo : Amar Ujala
Expansion
The High Court has recently taken judicial cognizance of the highest temperature ever recorded in the capital at 52.3 degrees Celsius. It warned that if the current generation continues its indifferent approach towards deforestation, the day is not far when this city will be reduced to a barren desert. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela made this remark while hearing petitions seeking directions on the protection of deemed forests in Delhi. The judicial cognizance is on the fact that the official temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius was recorded in Delhi as recently as May 30, 2024.
In April, a committee called the Interior Department Committee was formed to protect and manage deemed forests in Delhi. Retired judge Najmi Waziri was appointed as the chairperson on behalf of the high court. During the hearing, amicus curiae advocate Gautam Narayan submitted that once this court had passed an order, the onus would be on the chairperson to set up the necessary infrastructure and other facilities for efficient administration and discharge of responsibilities as soon as possible and not get entangled in red tape.
However, the high court said that instead of directing the department to provide staff in different capacity, it is considered appropriate to direct the department to pursue the matter seriously and in no case the approval shall be delayed beyond June 15, 2024. It further said that the said approval being granted by the competent authority, development of infrastructure, should be fully completed within the next 15 days thereafter.