India, Nov. 5 -- Large tracts of the Central Ridge forest in Delhi are being cleared of trees and vegetation as part of the government's plan to remove the invasive vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and develop themed forests, drawing criticism from environmental experts and activists who warn that the exercise could damage the fragile ecosystem and worsen dust pollution.

During a spot check on Wednesday, HT found large patches of previously dense forest along Sardar Patel Marg stripped of vegetation, with pipelines being laid across parts of the cleared land.

The Supreme Court in September allowed the Delhi government to undertake restoration work in the Central Ridge, including the removal of more than 13,000 invasive trees across 7...