In a landmark move to curb pollution and promote sustainable environmental practices, the Delhi government on Tuesday declared 41 square kilometers of the Southern Ridge area as a reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a greener and healthier national capital. “Our priority is to make Delhi a modern capital with a pollution-free, green, and balanced environment,” said Gupta. “This step will not only preserve Delhi’s greenery but also ensure clean air and a healthy environment for future generations.”
The designation of land as a reserved forest brings with it strict regulations, significantly restricting activities in the area unless explicitly permitted. It also enables the appointment of a Forest Settlement Officer (FSO) to demarcate the official boundaries of the forest and oversee land-related matters.
Criticizing past administrations for their inaction, CM Gupta stated, “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.”
The Southern Ridge declaration marks the first phase of a broader conservation effort, as the government plans to bring more areas of the Ridge under reserved forest status in the coming months.
To further enhance the ecological value of these protected zones, the government will begin planting indigenous and fruit-bearing trees on open lands within the area. Species like neem, peepal, shisham, mango, tamarind, and jamun will be prioritized to improve soil fertility, support biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.
The Southern Ridge, part of the larger Delhi Ridge — often referred to as the “green lungs” of the city — is critical in mitigating air pollution and maintaining groundwater levels. With this new status, the Delhi government hopes to shield the Ridge from further degradation while fostering a sustainable and resilient urban ecosystem.
