Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 9: The Delhi government has granted Reserved Forest status to more than 670 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Central Ridge area under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, in a major move aimed at strengthening environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in the national capital.

According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the notified land spreads across nearly 673.32 hectares under the Western Forest Division, including areas surrounding Sardar Patel Marg and the President’s Estate.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the move as a significant step towards safeguarding Delhi’s Ridge areas, popularly referred to as the “green lungs” of the city.

“With commitment and determination, our government has declared nearly 673.32 hectares of the Central Ridge area as Reserved Forest,” Gupta stated.

She said the notification would provide stronger legal protection to the region and help curb encroachments, illegal activities and ecological degradation. Under Reserved Forest provisions, activities such as hunting and grazing are prohibited unless specifically permitted by authorities.

Gupta noted that the process to provide final legal protection to the Ridge had remained incomplete for more than three decades, despite the area being initially notified under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act in 1994.

The Central Ridge, part of the ancient Aravalli hill system, stretches along both sides of Upper Ridge Road and plays a crucial role in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, boosting groundwater recharge and reducing the impact of climate change and urban pollution in Delhi.

The chief minister also pointed out that around 4,080.82 hectares of the Southern Ridge area had already been declared Reserved Forest on October 24 last year, adding that the government is speeding up the process of notifying the remaining Ridge areas in the city under the same protection status.