Delhi Ridge: Reserved Forest Status Finalized After 30 Years

The Delhi government has officially designated around 670 hectares of the Central Ridge, a crucial ecological zone, as a "reserved forest." This declaration finalizes a process that began with an initial notification in 1994 under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, taking over three decades to achieve the second, definitive notification.

However, the government's subsequent plans have sparked environmental concerns. Initial proposals for "anti-termite treatment" during planting were met with criticism for their potential to harm soil microorganisms, though toxic pesticide use was later canceled. The plan to develop "special forests" like Tirthankara Van and Ritu Van also raises questions, potentially violating conservation laws if construction is involved.

A significant worry centers on the selection of trees for these new forests. Past reforestation efforts have largely failed, with invasive South American "vilayati keekar" dominating. The current proposed list of trees, including mango and neem, are largely unsuitable for the Ridge's arid, rocky ecosystem and would require excessive watering, unlike truly native species adapted to these conditions.

Further complicating restoration are issues with contractor practices and the Forest Research Institute's Working Plan. Despite a 2026-27 plan emphasizing biodiversity, it includes estimations of timber increment. Moreover, past planting operations have seen contractors using cheaper, exotic saplings instead of approved native species, hindering genuine ecological restoration.