The Delhi government, led by Rekha Gupta, has designated 673.32 hectares of the Central Ridge as a Reserved Forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This move aims to restrict human activities in the area, enhance green cover, and manage pollution. The designated area falls within the Western Forest Division and encompasses parts around Sardar Patel Marg and the President’s Estate.
Chief Minister Gupta stated that the government plans to conduct extensive plantation of native tree species in vacant lands within the Ridge areas now classified as Reserved Forests. Once an area is marked as Reserved Forest, all human activities like grazing, hunting, logging, and entry are prohibited unless specifically allowed. This step is taken to safeguard biodiversity and watersheds.
This decision is seen as a significant milestone in preserving Delhi’s natural heritage, biodiversity, and ecological stability, according to Chief Minister Gupta. She emphasized the government’s dedication to protecting the green assets of the national capital and conserving environmentally sensitive regions. The declaration of the Central Ridge area as a Reserved Forest signifies the completion of a crucial process that had been pending for over three decades.
Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that the Central Ridge, situated at the core of Delhi, runs along Upper Ridge Road and is an extension of the ancient Aravalli hill system. Known as the “green lungs” of the city, the Ridge plays a vital role in enhancing air quality, preserving biodiversity, boosting groundwater levels, and mitigating the effects of climate change and urban pollution.
