Give statutory status to Delhi Ridge Management Board: SC, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed the Centre to grant statutory status to the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB).
• The DRMB will act as the single-window authority for all matters related to the Ridge and Morphological Ridge.
• The judgment was delivered in the case of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India.
• The court emphasized the need for legal protection to prevent the Ridge’s ecological integrity from being compromised.

Delhi Ridge

Detailed Insights:

• The Delhi Ridge, often referred to as the "green lungs" of the national capital, is a crucial ecological zone needing protection.
• Granting statutory status to the DRMB aims to provide it with the necessary legal authority for effective governance and conservation efforts.
• The Morphological Ridge refers to the extension of the main Ridge area, also vital for maintaining the region's ecological balance.
• The Supreme Court's intervention highlights concerns about environmental degradation and the necessity for robust legal frameworks to safeguard natural resources.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Statutory Status: Conferring legal recognition and powers to an organization through legislation.
• Ecological Integrity: The ability of an ecosystem to support and maintain ecological processes and a community of organisms.
• Single-window Authority: A centralized agency that streamlines processes and approvals, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.