New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Delhi government has approved the Phase-I notification to declare 112.328 hectares, or 277.56 acres, of land in the Northern Ridge as reserved forest under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

The area forms part of the Aravalli range and is considered an important green and ecological zone of the national capital. The government said the move will provide legal protection to the Northern Ridge and strengthen its long-term conservation.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "The Northern Ridge is an invaluable part of Delhi's natural heritage and its protection is crucial for the city's environmental health as well as for future generations."

She said the notification reflected the government's commitment to protecting Delhi's green areas. "The Northern Ridge serves as Delhi's 'green lungs' and an ecological hub. Granting it legal protection as a reserved forest will further strengthen the foundation for its long-term conservation," Gupta said.

According to the government, 5,267.009 hectares (13,014.77 acres) have been notified as reserved forest during the tenure of the present government so far, compared with 96.16 hectares (237.611 acres) under previous governments. With the Northern Ridge notification, the total area is expected to rise to 5,363.169 hectares, or around 13,252.390 acres.

The government had also approved last month the notification of around 400 hectares (1,000 acres) in the Southern Ridge as reserved forest.

Gupta said environmental conservation was closely linked to efforts to tackle pollution. "Protecting natural areas such as the Northern Ridge, expanding green areas and maintaining ecological balance will give Delhi greater long-term resilience in dealing with air pollution and climate-related challenges," she said.

The government said more than 73 lakh saplings have been planted in Delhi this year, while work on check dams and natural regeneration in Ridge areas is also underway to improve groundwater recharge. The next phase of the Northern Ridge conservation process will focus on demarcation, habitat management and community participation, the government said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.