Overview
- The Delhi Development Authority must plant about 167,000 saplings across 18 pockets totaling roughly 185 acres, with planting to conclude by March 31, 2026.
- ₹46.13 crore has been disbursed to the forest department for the work, with the court noting that additional funds will be arranged if required.
- A three-member expert panel—former IFS officer Ishwar Singh, ex–principal chief conservator Sunil Limaye, and environmentalist Pradip Krishen—will supervise species selection, planting and maintenance.
- The court ordered perimeter walls at all sites, exclusive use for forestry with no land-use change, and a comprehensive scheme to minimize sapling mortality and ensure upkeep.
- Authorities must hand over all 18 sites to the forest department, begin planting after winter conditions improve, file biannual photo- and video-backed progress reports, and propose extra sites if needed to meet the 167,000-tree target; the action follows prior contempt findings over illegal Ridge tree felling for the CAPFIMS road.