Delhi Ridge Management Board reconstituted under Supreme Court mandate for environmental governance

The Hindu - News · 3 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Environment Mains · GS3 Environment and biodiversity High relevance

The Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi approved the reconstitution of the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) as per Supreme Court directives, establishing a multi-agency mechanism for environmental protection under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Key points

Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) was reconstituted following a Supreme Court order in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case and anchored in Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed authorities to expedite DRMB's constitution and submit progress reports on Ridge protection, emphasizing urgent action in its May 18 order.

The Board's composition reflects multi-stakeholder governance: Chief Secretary as Chairman, DDA Vice-Chairman as member, with representation from MoEF&CC, MoHUA, MCD, and NDMC.

[GS2-Governance] This institutional framework demonstrates cooperative federalism in environmental governance, balancing central agencies (MoEF&CC) with local bodies (MCD) and technical experts.

Jurisdictional clarity established: DDA owns the Ridge, Environment and Forest Department maintains it, while MCD, NDMC, Revenue Department and Delhi Police handle enforcement.

[GS3-Environment] The Ridge's protection connects to urban ecology under Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities) and India's Nationally Determined Contributions for climate action.

Technical oversight involves CPWD, Delhi Police, Revenue Department, and Environment and Forest Department, ensuring comprehensive regulatory enforcement.

A standing committee under DRMB will enable rapid environmental interventions, headed by Central Empowered Committee nominee with PCCF (GNCTD) as Member-Secretary.

Way Forward: Strengthen inter-agency coordination through digital monitoring systems, establish clear accountability metrics for Ridge conservation, and integrate community participation in protection efforts.

Key terms

Delhi Ridge

The northernmost extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, covering 7,777 hectares in Delhi. It acts as the city's green lung and groundwater recharge zone, protected under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and through Supreme Court interventions since 1996.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Umbrella legislation giving Central Government powers to coordinate environmental protection efforts. Section 3 empowers it to constitute authorities for environmental standards enforcement, making it foundational for bodies like DRMB.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Statutory body established under NGT Act 2010 for expeditious disposal of environmental cases. Its orders in Delhi Ridge matters demonstrate judicial activism in enforcing Principle 10 of Rio Declaration (access to environmental justice).

Central Empowered Committee (CEC)

Supreme Court-constituted expert body under Environment (Protection) Act 1986 to monitor forest and wildlife cases. Its role in DRMB's standing committee highlights institutional continuity in environmental governance.