277 Acres of Delhi's Northern Ridge to Become Reserved Forest
The Delhi government has approved the notification to declare 277.56 acres of the Northern Ridge as reserved forest to boost the city's green cover.
In a significant move to safeguard the capital's ecological lungs, the Delhi government has approved the Phase-I notification to declare 277.56 acres of land in the Northern Ridge as reserved forest. This decision aims to bolster the protection of one of the city's most vital green zones.
The notification, which covers 112.328 hectares, has been issued under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. As a crucial part of the Aravalli range, the Northern Ridge serves as a critical ecological buffer for the sprawling metropolis.
Strengthening Environmental Balance
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the necessity of this move, stating that protecting the Northern Ridge is essential for maintaining Delhi's environmental equilibrium. By granting the area legal status as a reserved forest, the government aims to ensure its natural heritage is preserved for future generations through long-term conservation measures.
This latest announcement follows a massive push for forest conservation by the current administration. According to official data:
- 5,267.009 hectares of forest land have been notified as reserved forest during the present government's tenure.
- This stands in stark contrast to the 96.16 hectares notified under previous administrations.
- With the inclusion of the Northern Ridge, the total reserved forest area in Delhi is set to reach approximately 13,252 acres (5,363.169 hectares).
This follows a similar major step taken last month, where the government approved the notification of roughly 1,000 acres of additional land in the Southern Ridge as a reserved forest.
A Broader Fight Against Pollution and Climate Change
The conservation drive is not an isolated effort but is deeply linked to Delhi's broader strategy to combat rising pollution levels and climate-related challenges. The government has been aggressively expanding the city's canopy, reporting that over 73 lakh saplings have been planted across Delhi this year alone.
Public engagement has also been a cornerstone of this initiative. Programs such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Vriksh Rath’ have been launched to encourage citizens to take an active role in plantation drives.
Future Plans for the Ridge
The conservation roadmap for the Northern Ridge is divided into several strategic phases. Once the initial notification is complete, the next steps will include:
- Demarcation and Habitat Management: Clearly defining boundaries and managing the specific needs of local flora and fauna.
- Groundwater Recharge: Constructing check dams and promoting natural regeneration to improve water levels in the Ridge areas.
- Community Involvement: Increasing local participation and engaging students as ‘Eco-Warriors’ to foster awareness regarding biodiversity and climate change.