Ministry : Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Forest Conservation Division)
Part II-Section 3-Sub-Section (ii)
Subject : Extra Ordinary
Overview [Gazette of India: Extraordinary, Part II—Section 3(ii)]
The Gazette notifies the constitution of the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to oversee preservation, protection, and restoration of the Delhi Ridge and Morphological Ridge.
Key Points
- Board Composition: Includes Chief Secretary of GNCTD (Chairman), Vice-Chairman (DDA), senior officials from MoEF&CC, housing, urban affairs, police, municipal bodies, and nominated NGO/civil society experts.
- Standing Committee: Formed with CEC representative as Chairperson, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, NGO/Civil Society reps, and nominees from Chief Secretary and DDA.
- Functions: Single-window authority for all Delhi Ridge matters; removal of encroachments; ecological restoration; six‑monthly compliance reports to the Supreme Court.
- Accountability: Requires periodic reporting to the Hon’ble Supreme Court and public disclosure of reports via a dedicated website.
- Enforcement Mandate: Ensures identification and protection of the Ridge in line with previous Supreme Court orders (dated 11.11.2025 and 16.04.2025).
Summary
The gazette establishes the Delhi Ridge Management Board as a high‑level, multi‑agency body tasked with safeguarding the Delhi Ridge and Morphological Ridge through unified authority, strict enforcement, and transparent, court‑monitored reporting. Its creation responds to Supreme Court directives and is expected to significantly strengthen environmental governance and ecological restoration efforts in the national capital region.
