India, May 15 -- New Delhi

The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) approved the construction of a hostel block in a 2.1-hectare area of the morphological ridge. CEC said a total of 46 trees will be impacted, with 27 to be felled and 19 transplanted, adding this was the minimum number of trees to be impacted and that the project was in the public interest.

The morphological ridge is an area which shows ridge-like features (such as rocky terrains and hills), but is not a notified or protected forest. It enjoys the same protection as Delhi's Ridge and forest areas, with no commercial activity or construction allowed there.

Giving its permission and recommending it to the Supreme Court, which will give the final appro...