Current Affairs: Passage of the Week - 12 May 2025 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The Supreme Court has issued show cause notices to senior Delhi government officials, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, and a private developer, seeking explanations for alleged violations of its 1996 directive under the M C Mehta vs Union of India case and going ahead with construction of a housing society in the “morphological ridge” area, an ecologically sensitive zone, in Vasant Kunj.

The 1996 directive has held that ridge land must be safeguarded against encroachment and non-forest use without prior court approval.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, in an order dated May 7, directed that notices be issued to Delhi Principal Secretary (Environment and Forests) Anil Kumar Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (West) Amit Gemawat and MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar.

Notices were also issued to Rakesh Sharma and Sunita Sharma, partners in RR Texknit LLP, which is building the housing project at Vasant Kunj’s morphological ridge area.

The action stems from a contempt petition filed by environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who had challenged the permissions granted to the housing project being developed by RR Texknit LLP.

The Indian Express had reported on March 25 that the project – touted as the first private housing scheme in the fragile morphological ridge area to receive a conditional environmental clearance without approval from the SC – would come up on an area of 25,650 sq m, and include three basements, a stilt, and nine floors.

The development had sparked protests from environmentalists and local residents, who argued that it violated longstanding SC orders mandating preservation of the ridge in its “pristine glory”.

The case pertains to the protection of Delhi’s ridge, an important green area that acts as the city’s lung and a key part of the Aravalli Range.

Though not entirely notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the SC, in multiple orders, including the landmark 1996 directive, had held that ridge land must be safeguarded against encroachment and non-forest use without prior court approval.

In 2016, the SC had held that even land outside the notified ridge area but with similar morphological features requires clearance from the Ridge Management Board and prior permission from the court for non-forest use.

The contempt petition alleged that the authorities were not only aware of these restrictions but actively facilitated the project. It cited failure to act on illegal tree felling, and contradictory status reports filed on part of the Forest Department.

“Counter affidavit shall be filed by the respondents within a period of two weeks…,” read Wednesday’s order.

In the order, however, the SC had deferred serving show cause notice to Mandeep Mittal and Vipul Pandey, both former deputy conservators of forests (West), and Gyanesh Bharti, former MCD commissioner, noting that they had since been transferred.

However, leaving open the possibility of issuing notices to them at a later stage, the SC said, “If need be, notice will be issued to them at an appropriate stage.”

[Excerpt from Times of India "SC flags violations in Delhi’s first private housing project on fragile Ridge land. Here’s what it said" Dated 12/05/25]

Q1: What action did the Supreme Court take regarding the Morphological Ridge in Delhi on May 7, 2025?
(a) Approved the housing project in the region
(b) Issued show cause notices to senior officials
(c) Directed the removal of the housing project
(d) Ordered the construction of a new park

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
The Supreme Court issued show cause notices to senior officials following allegations of violations related to the housing project.

Q2: What is the primary ecological function of the Morphological Ridge in Delhi?
(a) It is a site for large-scale construction
(b) It serves as a green lung, reducing pollution
(c) It provides recreational spaces for residents
(d) It is used for agricultural activities

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
The Morphological Ridge is vital for maintaining ecological balance and acts as a natural barrier against pollution and desertification.

Q3: What kind of vegetation is found in the Morphological Ridge?
(a) Tropical rainforests
(b) Tropical dry thorn forest
(c) Dense mangrove forests
(d) Alpine vegetation

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
The Morphological Ridge consists mainly of tropical dry thorn forest with a variety of vegetation depending on the area's moisture levels.

Q4: What is the land use status of the Morphological Ridge?
(a) It is designated as a protected forest
(b) It is a reserve for wildlife conservation
(c) Land use is strictly regulated and requires approval
(d) It is primarily used for residential development

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Any land use changes in the Morphological Ridge require approval from the Ridge Management Board and the Central Empowered Committee.

Q5: What is the main issue raised by environmentalists, residents, and developers regarding the Morphological Ridge?
(a) Unrestricted development leading to habitat destruction
(b) Lack of enforcement of construction codes
(c) Disputes over land use and pending verification processes
(d) Excessive government intervention in development

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
There are disputes over land use, and the field verification processes are still pending, delaying the notification of the area as a Reserved Forest.