The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Centre, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and other relevant authorities seeking their response on the environmental concerns raised against the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) proposed slum rehabilitation project in Kusumpur Pahadi. The project aims to construct 2,800 dwelling units over an 18.96-acre area currently occupied by the jhuggi-jhopdi (JJ) cluster, home to approximately 100,000 people.
The plea, brought before the NGT, alleges significant environmental degradation could result from the rehabilitation scheme, citing its location within the notified protected area of the Aravali Bio-Diversity Park. This sprawling 690-acre park, nestled between Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj, serves as a crucial ecological buffer for the capital.
The petitioners argue that the scheme is impermissible, emphasizing that Kusum Pahadi, historically a hillock, was declared a JJ cluster after laborers settled there over time. They claim the project’s scale could threaten the ecological lifeline of South Delhi due to an anticipated population increase and consequent environmental impact.
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, chairing the NGT bench alongside Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, highlighted the severity of the claims. “The application raises substantial issues concerning compliance with environmental norms,” Justice Shrivastava stated in a recent order.
