What we have done to this city is a criminal act,” an anguished Delhi High Court has said while strongly deploring alleged encroachments of forest land in Neb Sarai village in South Delhi. A Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal, said that no encroachments could be permitted in the ridge areas of the national Capital as these were primary “natural features”.
It said it was shocking that forest land fell prey to illegal constructions and encroachments. “What we have done to this city is a criminal act. Delhi has become a mess,” the Bench observed.
The strong remarks came during hearing of an application by a Neb Sarai-based couple who have urged the court to direct the Delhi Government's forest department to provide space for entry and exit from their house.
They have said that a boundary wall constructed near their house to protect the forest area, has obstructed access to their flat.
The duo have submitted that the space near their house did not come under forest area and if the court found it to the contrary, then they would willingly hand over the possession of the land in front of their house which has been allegedly encroached by the family.