Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that 41 square kilometres of the Southern Ridge area will be designated as a reserved forest under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The decision aims to combat pollution in the national capital and promote sustainable environmental practices. Gupta stated, “Our priority is to make Delhi a modern capital with a pollution-free, green, and balanced environment. This step will not only preserve Delhi’s greenery but also ensure clean air and a healthy environment for future generations.”
The declaration of the Southern Ridge as a reserved forest introduces strict regulations, prohibiting most activities unless explicitly permitted. It also authorises a Forest Settlement Officer (FSO) to demarcate the forest’s boundaries. Criticising past administrations, Gupta remarked, “The previous governments neither took any initiative nor any steps to protect these zones. As a result, several parts of the Ridge suffered encroachments, and the greenery began to decline.”
Gupta noted that this declaration is the first phase of a broader plan, with other Ridge areas in Delhi slated to receive reserved forest status soon.
She added that open lands within these areas will be planted with indigenous and fruit-bearing trees such as neem, peepal, shisham, mango, tamarind, and jamun to enhance soil fertility, boost biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance. The Chief Minister emphasised her government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing Delhi’s green spaces, addressing areas lost to years of neglect and encroachment.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the decision as a significant milestone for Delhi, highlighting its role in controlling pollution in the capital. He also directed the Forest Department to empanel agencies with technical expertise and advanced machinery for tree transplantation to improve survival rates.
Sirsa stated, “Until now, many agencies used backhoe loaders that damaged tree roots and reduced survival rates. Going forward, only agencies with verified competence and professional tree-transplanter machines capable of lifting full-grown trees with intact root balls will be empanelled. The aim is simple — to give every transplanted tree a genuine chance to survive.”
Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta resumes ‘Jan Sunwai’ amid tight security
Follow us
