Delhi Ridge Gets Statutory Protection as Centre Reconstitutes DRMB

Delhi Ridge Management Board Reconstituted With Statutory Powers

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reconstituted the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) with full statutory authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 , complying with a directive of the Supreme Court . The move aims to strengthen protection of the Delhi Ridge—one of the capital’s most critical ecological assets—by placing regulation, enforcement and monitoring under a single empowered body.

Supreme Court’s Intervention and Legal Basis

The Supreme Court had noted that the earlier DRMB, constituted through executive orders, lacked enforceability and was weakened by fragmented jurisdiction among multiple agencies. By invoking Section 3(3) of the EP Act , the reconstituted board now has binding powers to regulate land use, remove encroachments, approve or deny permissions and oversee afforestation and restoration efforts. The court emphasised that without statutory backing, meaningful conservation of the Ridge was not feasible.

Composition, Mandate and Oversight

The new DRMB consists of 13 members and is chaired by the Chief Secretary of Delhi . It includes representatives from the Union environment ministry, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and two civil society experts. A designated CEC member is mandated to submit quarterly reports to the Supreme Court , ensuring continuous judicial oversight of the board’s actions.

Persistent Conservation Challenges

Despite the Delhi Master Plan 2021 identifying 7,777 hectares as Ridge land, experts point out that only a small portion has formal protection under the Forest Act. Long-standing encroachments, particularly in the southern Ridge , remain largely unresolved. Conservationists warn that statutory status alone will not suffice unless enforcement improves and coordination among agencies becomes more effective.

Ecological Significance of the Ridge

The Delhi Ridge plays a vital role in temperature moderation, air purification, groundwater recharge and biodiversity conservation . Environmental experts stress that decisive action—such as removal of illegal constructions, prevention of land-use change and ecological restoration—is essential. The empowered DRMB is expected to close long-standing governance gaps and reinforce protection of Delhi’s last major natural green barrier.

Exam Point

• DRMB reconstituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 .

• Delhi Ridge covers 7,777 hectares across four zones.

• Only 103.48 hectares notified under the Forest Act so far.

• CEC representative must report to the Supreme Court every three months .