Introduction

The Delhi Ridge, often referred to as the “green lung” of India’s capital, represents a critical natural defense against environmental degradation, particularly air pollution and desertification. It is the northernmost extension of the ancient Aravalli hill range, one of the oldest geological formations in the world. Running through the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, the Ridge is not only geologically significant but also ecologically indispensable. Within this larger system lies the Morphological Ridge—an area not yet officially notified as forest land but sharing identical ecological and geological features.

The importance of preserving this terrain has been underscored by a series of judicial pronouncements. A recent controversy involving unauthorized construction in Vasant Kunj has brought renewed attention to the fragility of Delhi’s Ridge ecosystem and the lapses in regulatory enforcement.

Recent Legal Action: Vasant Kunj Construction Controversy

On May 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued show cause notices to senior officials of the Delhi Government, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and private developer RR Texknit LLP. This was in response to a contempt petition filed by environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, challenging the legality of a private residential project approved in the Morphological Ridge area of Vasant Kunj. The proposed project, reportedly covering 25,650 square meters and consisting of three basement levels, a stilt, and nine floors, had allegedly bypassed mandatory environmental clearances and violated existing judicial directives.

This development directly contravenes the Supreme Court’s 1996 ruling in M.C. Mehta vs Union of India, which mandates that all land use changes within the Ridge, including the Morphological Ridge, require prior approval from two key institutions:

• The Ridge Management Board (RMB)
• The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by the Supreme Court

This directive was aimed at halting encroachments and preventing unregulated construction in ecologically sensitive zones. The present case reveals procedural lapses, including failure to consult the Ridge Management Board or the CEC.

Understanding the Delhi Ridge and the Morphological Ridge

The Delhi Ridge spans approximately 35 kilometers, beginning in the southwest near Mahipalpur and ending in the northeast near Wazirabad. It is divided into four distinct zones: the Southern Ridge, Central Ridge, Northern Ridge, and the Northwestern Ridge. These areas vary in vegetation and soil composition, but all serve as critical biodiversity reservoirs.

The Morphological Ridge refers to an extended area adjacent to the designated Ridge that possesses similar geological and ecological characteristics. While not formally notified as forest land under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, it enjoys de facto protection under multiple judicial orders. Its delineation is based on a 2006 seismic zonation map of Delhi prepared by the Geological Survey of India and subsequently mapped by the Delhi Forest Department.

Key Ecological Features

1. Terrain and Vegetation:
• The Ridge and Morphological Ridge consist of rocky Aravalli outcrops, shallow soil layers, and predominantly tropical dry thorn forests.
• The land is typically classified in revenue records as “gair mumkin pahad” (uncultivable rocky hill).
• Vegetation includes stunted and drought-resistant native species such as bistendu (Diospyros cordifolia) and dhak (Butea monosperma).
2. Zonal Variation:
• Southern Ridge: Arid and rugged with thinner soil cover and exposed rocks.
• Central and Northern Ridges: Slightly better soil moisture retention, resulting in denser vegetation.
3. Ecological Functions:
• Acts as a natural barrier against desertification from the west.
• Serves as a carbon sink and contributes to urban temperature regulation.
• Supports native biodiversity, including avifauna and small mammals.

Legal and Administrative Framework for Protection

Despite its ecological importance, the Morphological Ridge has not yet been notified under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, due to incomplete ground-truthing and field verification. Notification under this section would grant it the status of a Reserved Forest, providing statutory protection against land use change.

Until such notification is completed, judicial mechanisms fill the regulatory gap. The Supreme Court, through the M.C. Mehta ruling, created an institutional framework that mandates:

• Clearance from the Ridge Management Board (RMB), a body that includes forest officials, urban planners, and environmental experts.
• Review by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which monitors compliance with court directives in forest and environmental matters.

The absence of compliance with this framework, as seen in the Vasant Kunj case, constitutes contempt of court and undermines conservation objectives.

Challenges to Conservation

1. Regulatory Ambiguity: Lack of official forest notification leads to administrative confusion and conflicting claims over land use.
2. Incomplete Mapping: Ground verification of the Morphological Ridge remains pending, stalling final demarcation and protection under the Indian Forest Act.
3. Encroachment and Urban Pressure: Rapid urbanization and high demand for real estate in Delhi have led to repeated attempts to develop Ridge land, often under the guise of permissible land use.
4. Institutional Fragmentation: Overlapping mandates between municipal authorities, the Forest Department, and urban development agencies result in weak enforcement.

Way Forward

1. Legal Notification: Expedite the notification of the Morphological Ridge under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to provide statutory protection.
2. Comprehensive Mapping and Zoning: Conduct scientific ground-truthing using GIS-based technologies to delineate the Ridge boundaries accurately.
3. Integrated Urban-Ecological Planning: Include Ridge preservation in Delhi’s Master Plan and other urban planning frameworks with binding zoning regulations.
4. Strengthening Oversight: Empower the RMB and CEC with greater enforcement authority and ensure mandatory consultation for all projects within Ridge zones.
5. Public Participation: Increase public awareness through environmental education and citizen reporting mechanisms to flag unauthorized construction or deforestation.

Conclusion

The Delhi Ridge, along with its Morphological counterpart, plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the capital’s environmental equilibrium. As Delhi grapples with air pollution, urban heat islands, and biodiversity loss, preserving these natural landscapes is not merely a conservationist ideal but a necessity for sustainable urban living. The recent judicial intervention in the Vasant Kunj case underscores the fragility of this ecosystem and the urgency of institutional reform. Only through cohesive legal action, administrative accountability, and public vigilance can the ecological sanctity of the Ridge be secured for future generations.