Vasant Kunj Residents Protest Against Construction on Morphological Ridge

Delhi, India – Residents of Vasant Kunj gathered in large numbers to protest against the construction of 3 luxury residential towers on the South-Central Morphological Ridge. An environmentally sensitive stretch considered one of Delhi’s natural “green lungs.” The demonstration held near Jantar Mantar, senior citizens, parents, young students and members of several RWAs, all united in their demand to stop the project.

Why Residents are Protesting?

Locals say the proposed towers planned on a plot that includes a significant portion of the notified Ridge area, pose a direct threat to Delhi’s fragile environment. The Ridge is part of the Aravalli ecosystem, known for its rocky terrain, natural vegetation and its role in absorbing pollution.

Residents argue that any construction here would:

• Damage the ecological balance of the area
• Increase air and noise pollution
• Put pressure on already strained civic infrastructure
• Lead to heavy excavation for multi-level basements, which may destabilize the rocky ridge surface

Many families also worry about rising dust levels, narrow internal roads, increased traffic and health concerns that may become worse once heavy construction begins.

“This Land was never meant for High-Rises”

Protesters say the land was originally earmarked for modest group housing as part of an older government scheme. According to residents, the initial plan mentioned only a limited number of flats and basic community facilities.

Suddenly, we are being told that 3 high-rise luxury towers with multiple basements will come up here. This is not just a change in design, it is a complete change in purpose.

Concerns Over Clearances and Transparency

One of the strongest objections raised by the residents is the manner in which approvals were granted. RWAs claim that”

• No public hearing was conducted
• No fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been shared
• Ridge protection norms were ignored
• Clearances were pushed through without involving the community

Residents say they were never informed about the project until construction equipment and barricades began appearing in the neighbourhood.

Authorities Say the Project is Legal

Meanwhile, officials associated with the project and planning bodies maintain that the construction has received the required permissions. They say the layout complies with existing guidelines and that the Supreme Court-appointed body overseeing environmental matters has already given its clearance.

However, residents insist that a technical approval cannot override ecological responsibility. They are demanding that the government order a fresh evaluation of the site, considering today’s environmental and urban challenges.

Impact Beyond Vasant Kunj

Environmental groups supporting the protest warn that this decision could set a troubling precedent. If construction is allowed on one part of the Ridge, they fear more such approvals could follow. This may further shrink Delhi’s natural green cover, which already struggles to keep up with rising pollution levels and rapid construction activity.

What Protesters Want

Residents have submitted a detailed memorandum to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the environment ministry and other government offices. Their key demands include:

• Immediate stop on all construction activity
• A fresh, independent environmental assessment
• A structural review of proposed basement digging
• Cancellation of all project approvals issued without public consultation

What Happens Next?

While the project holds valid permissions as of now, the growing public pressure has made the future uncertain. Residents say they will continue peaceful demonstrations until the government reconsiders its decision.

For now, the fight between developments interests and environmental protection has once again come to the forefront in Delhi and Vasant Kunj has become the latest ground for that battle.