Delhi declares 41 sq km of southern ridge a reserved forest to boost green cover

New Delhi: In a landmark move to combat pollution and restore ecological balance in the capital, the Delhi government has declared 41 square kilometers of the Southern Ridge area as a reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the government’s commitment to building a modern, pollution-free, and environmentally balanced capital.

“Our priority is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment for future generations,” she said, describing the step as crucial for protecting Delhi’s diminishing green cover.

“Our priority is to make Delhi a modern capital with a pollution-free, green, and balanced environment. In this direction, the government has taken this important decision. This step will not only preserve Delhi’s greenery but will also ensure clean air and a healthy environment for future generations,” Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday.

Declaring an area as a reserved forest brings in strict rules prohibiting most activities unless specifically permitted. The move also empowers a Forest Settlement Officer (FSO) to define boundaries.

The government will now plant trees of indigenous species in such forest areas so that the soil remains fertile and the environment is further strengthened, she said in a statement.

She added that the government’s priority is to make Delhi a modern capital that is pollution-free, green, and environmentally balanced.

CM Gupta outlined the government’s plan to restore and enhance the newly declared forest areas by planting indigenous and fruit-bearing trees, including neem (Indian Lilac), peepal (Sacred Fig), shisham (Indian Rosewood), mango, tamarind, and jamun (Black Plum).

These species were chosen for their ecological benefits, including maintaining soil fertility, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining Delhi’s natural ecosystem.

“The greenery lost over the years due to encroachment and neglect is being restored through sincere and systematic efforts. We’re taking this forward with seriousness and sensitivity,” she added.

The declaration of the Southern Ridge as a reserved forest marks the first phase of a broader plan to protect the entire Ridge area. The Chief Minister confirmed that other regions of the Ridge are also under review for similar status, and the process is actively underway.

Gupta also criticized previous administrations for their inaction. “The Ridge suffered due to years of apathy. Our government is rectifying that mistake by prioritizing Delhi’s environmental health,” she said.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the move a “milestone” in Delhi’s environmental policy. “This decision will play a significant role in controlling pollution levels in the capital. We are committed to ensuring that environmental protection remains our topmost priority,” he said.

Mr Sirsa described this decision as a milestone for Delhi. He said that the government has made pollution control and environmental protection its topmost priorities.

He said he has also directed the Forest Department to empanel agencies with technical competence, proven expertise, and advanced machinery for undertaking tree transplantation work in the capital to improve survival rates.

The decision was taken following a review meeting with senior officials of the Forest Department to assess the city’s ongoing tree transplantation projects and their survival outcomes.

“Until now, many agencies have used backhoe loaders to uproot trees, which has caused root damage and low survival rates. Going forward, agencies with verified technical competence and professional tree transplanter machines capable of lifting full-grown trees with intact root balls and soil will be empanelled. The aim is simple, to give every transplanted tree a genuine chance to survive,” Sirsa said.