Home / Environment / Invasive Trees Cleared for Delhi's Green Revival
Invasive Trees Cleared for Delhi's Green Revival
16 Sep
Summary
- Delhi Ridge is undergoing eco-restoration by removing invasive vilayati kikars.
- Environmentalists criticize the restoration plan for potentially harming soil health.
- The project aims to restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in Delhi.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is actively engaged in an eco-restoration program across the Delhi Ridge, with a particular focus on removing invasive species like vilayati kikars. This effort is concentrated in the 783-acre Sanjay Van, a significant green space within the South Central Ridge. The project, guided by a 10-year working plan developed by the Forest Research Institute (FRI), is also underway in other Ridge areas managed by the Delhi government's forest department.
The primary objective is to restore the natural ecological balance, improve soil and water conditions, and significantly enhance the region's biodiversity. While the removal of invasive trees is deemed essential for this revival, the approach has drawn criticism from environmental experts. Concerns have been raised that the current methods, including the scale of tree removal and planting, may not adequately protect the delicate soil ecosystem and could even be detrimental.
Critics argue that the FRI's working plan, effective until 2036-37, treats forest areas like timber plantations. They emphasize that true restoration involves healing the ecosystem, especially the vital topsoil and its microbial life, which they believe is overlooked. Questions have also been raised about the suitability of newly planted tree species and their close proximity, impacting healthy growth. This initiative targets major invasive trees, including vilayati kikar, eucalyptus, and leucaena leucocephala, which constitute a substantial portion of the city's forest stock.
