India, July 11 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi government to provide a clear timeline for the final notification of the southern Ridge under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act within two weeks, stating that despite a 2021 direction to do so, only a small portion has so far been notified.

Based on a plea filed by activist Sonya Ghosh, NGT on January 15, 2021 directed the Delhi government to ensure that the notification is completed within three months. Ghosh had filed an execution application last year, stating that forest department was yet to comply with the tribunal's directions.

While the southern Ridge has been notified under Section 4 - which grants initial protection - a notification under Section 20 i...