India, Sept. 18 -- New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Delhi government to carry out restoration of the Central Ridge area by allowing the removal of over 13,000 "invasive species" of trees across a 70-hectare area and replacing it with indigenous species.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant passed the order on a petition filed by the Delhi government's forest and wildlife department, which approached the court after its work was sought to be stalled by petitioners in the Delhi High Court. Since September is the only time for plantation, the department sought urgent orders from the top court.

Giving the go-ahead to the Delhi government, the bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Moha...