Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Saturday highlighted the crucial role played by forests in reducing air pollution in Delhi.
Attending a plantation drive organised by the Delhi government under Van Mahotsav 2025 at the Presidents Body Guard Ground in Delhi Ridge, the CJI said the forests were an important part of humanity’s lineage, which belonged not just to the current generation, but also to future generations.
He stressed on the need to strike a balance between development and forest conservation, stating that while development was important, the cost at which it came needed to be kept in mind too.
Speaking about Delhi’s annual battle with pollution, he said everyone started getting worried as soon as October arrived.
As per CJI, tackling air pollution in Delhi was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. He urged everyone to make efforts towards reduction in environmental pollution.
He further listed the efforts made by the Supreme Court for sustainable development, including the landmark advisories on pollution control.
Apart from CJI Gavai, 20 judges of the Supreme Court and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa participated in Van Mahotsav 2025, a month-long campaign, which commenced from July 3, 2025.
Since the function formed part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CJI Gavai planted a tree in the name of his revered mother, honouring her and Mother Nature.