New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Delhi government has approved the Phase-I notification to declare 277.56 acres of land in the Northern Ridge as reserved forest, taking another step towards strengthening the protection of the city's green cover.

The notification covers 112.328 hectares of land under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

The Northern Ridge, part of the Aravalli range, is considered an important ecological zone and one of Delhi's key green areas.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said protecting the Northern Ridge was important for maintaining Delhi's environmental balance and preserving its natural heritage for future generations.

She said giving the area legal protection as a reserved forest would help strengthen its long-term ...