Uttarakhand High Court orders audit of public parks, sets nine‑month deadline

The Uttarakhand High Court, sitting in Dehradun, observed that the state government has not completed the statutory listing of its public parks, a process mandated under the Uttarakhand Forest and Environment Act. The bench described the delay as a breach of statutory duty and a potential setback to urban green‑space planning.

In its order, the court directed the Department of Forests and the Urban Development Authority to launch a coordinated survey of all existing public parks across the state. The survey must verify the legal status, area, facilities, and maintenance standards of each park.

The court set a strict timeline, requiring the complete audit and a publicly accessible database to be ready within nine months from the date of the order. Non‑compliance will attract contempt proceedings. The ruling aims to improve transparency, ensure equitable access to green spaces, and aid future urban planning initiatives.

State officials have acknowledged the order and pledged cooperation, stating that a task force will be formed immediately to begin the exercise. The move has been welcomed by environmental groups, who see it as a step toward better protection and management of the state's natural assets.