Delhi government has approved the notification of around 1,000 acres of additional land in the Southern Ridge as Reserved Forest. With this decision, the notified Ridge area will increase to around 13,000 acres. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the decision has been taken under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
She added that the Delhi Ridge is not only a part of the capital’s natural heritage but also its green protective shield. Ms Gupta also said that the government’s aim is to ensure the protection, scientific restoration and revival of the Delhi Ridge so that this natural area remains protected for future generations as well.
Ms Gupta further added that providing legal protection to the land is not the government’s only objective but reviving the Ridge’s ecosystem is equally important. With this objective, scientific ecological restoration is being taken forward in accordance with the Ridge Working Plan. She informed that special emphasis is being placed on promoting native species, restoring degraded areas and scientifically managing invasive species.
The Delhi Ridge Management Board was also constituted this year for the conservation, restoration and management of the Delhi Ridge. Its responsibilities include protecting the Ridge, scientific ecological restoration, afforestation and habitat conservation.
