Delhi HC directs govt. to collect straw from neighbouring states to cover saplings

NEW DELHI: In a bid to improve the quality of top soil and ensure retention of soil and water, the Delhi High Court, on Thursday, September 19, directed the Government of Delhi to procure paddy or wheat straw from the neighbouring states and spread it on the newly planted saplings in Delhi’s Central Ridge area.

Moreover, such utilization of straw and other plant residues which are generally burnt after the reaping of the crops can actually reduce the stubble burning activity in the neighbouring states, which contribute significantly in polluting the Capital’s air. Therefore, reducing the air pollution in the coming season, said Justice Najmi Waziri.

Justice Waziri further said, this practice will help to meliorate the top soil quality of the ridge as in some areas the soil is rocky which is not suitable for saplings.

The court was hearing a contempt case when the directions were passed. In the case, a private company was asked to plant 1.4 lakh saplings, worth Rs 80 lakh, in the Central Ridge area. The court’s suggestion came post an information from the forest department which said that there is hardly any top soil left in the Central Ridge and the soil there is rocky which is inept for planting saplings in such huge numbers.