Threat of Desertification Looms Over Delhi Due to Record-Breaking Heat

The Delhi High Court has observed that the city risks becoming a barren desert if deforestation continues unchecked. Delhi's Mungeshpur area recorded an all-time high temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius. The court stressed the urgency of addressing the lack of infrastructure for the committee tasked with forest protection.

The Delhi High Court has sounded an alarm over the potential desertification of the national capital, citing recent record-breaking temperatures. On a sweltering Wednesday, Delhi's Mungeshpur area hit an unprecedented 52.3 degrees Celsius.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized that persistent deforestation and indifference could push Delhi towards becoming a barren desert. The court previously appointed former judge Najmi Waziri as chairperson of an internal committee tasked with forest protection. However, Waziri has struggled to perform his duties due to insufficient infrastructure.

The court has directed the Department of Forest and Wildlife to expedite the provision of necessary resources. The committee, now renamed the 'Special Empowered Committee,' is urged to have all requirements met by the next hearing date on July 29. The court's stringent measures aim to mitigate the worsening climatic conditions in Delhi.