Home / Environment / Delhi Ridge Declared Reserved Forest, Protecting 75% Green Area
Delhi Ridge Declared Reserved Forest, Protecting 75% Green Area
10 May
Summary
- 673.32 hectares of Delhi's central Ridge are now reserved forest.
- This declaration provides stronger statutory protection against encroachments.
- The move fulfills Supreme Court directions after a 30-year delay.
The Delhi government has declared 673.32 hectares of the central Ridge as reserved forest, a crucial step for environmental protection. This action officially covers over 75% of the green area under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, providing a significant boost to conservation efforts.
This declaration ensures that the notified land is free from encumbrances and litigation, preventing future encroachments and illegal activities. The move aligns with Supreme Court directives from November 2025, which urged immediate action against delays in notifying the Ridge and against encroachments.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that this declaration completes a process pending for over thirty years. While initial notifications occurred in 1994, final legal protection under Section 20 was delayed since 1996. With the recent declaration of the southern Ridge in October 2025 and this central Ridge notification, a total of 4,754.14 hectares of Ridge areas have been granted reserved forest status.
The Delhi Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli hills, is vital for the city's air quality, biodiversity, and groundwater levels. The government plans to expedite similar notifications for other Ridge areas and undertake large-scale plantation drives with native tree species to further enhance the ecological security and natural heritage of the region.
