Delhi has a lung problem, and it is acute
THE RIDGE The lush green forest, also known as Delhi’s lung, is under attack from encroachment, poor management
ature of ridge is at least two degrees less than that of Palam and Safdarjung,” said a senior official of the regional weather forecasting centre.
The ridge is also vital to groundwater recharging. It acts as a sponge and a recharging zone for not just Delhi but for adjoining areas also. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports in 2016 showed that moderate tree cover can increase groundwater recharge.
It is also the only wildlife refuge in Delhi. Despite continued degradation, the ridge is a haven for nearly 120 species of plants — more than 100 species of birds, around 25 species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and innumerable other organisms.
ALL IS NOT WELL
In the 14th century, the ridge was covered with thorny scrubs with little green cover. In the 19th century, the British undertook a massive plantation drive. They wanted fast growing trees and, therefore, brought in the Vilayti Kikar (Prosopis julifora).
“But this alien invasive species from Central America competed with the local tree species and damaged the biodiversity,” said Ajay Mahajan, member, Kalpavriksh.
The ridge once occupied about 15% of Delhi’s area. Now, much of it has been flattened because of increasing demand for urban space. It has provided space for housing, farmhouses, garbage dumps, government institutes, mining and other temporal and spiritual institutions.
“Today, more than 40% of the ridge has been destroyed and there are no signs of revival. The government is yet to demarcate the boundaries of the ridge to stop encroachment,” said Ravi Agar- wal, director of Toxics Link and a former member of the Ridge Management Board.
Experts say that earlier the ridge used to support around 30 forest communities, representing at least 10 different kinds of ecosystems. Most have vanished now.
“Degradation of greenery is taking a toll on the ecological functions that the ridge performs. This is evident from the fact that pollution levels are rising, dust pollution is shooting up, temperatures are rising and groundwater level is falling,” said Babu
Unabated cattle grazing destroys the undergrowth – a vital component for any forest. A major part of the saplings, which are planted as a part of the affor- estation programmes, are also destroyed by cattle.
Multiplicity of agencies ensures that there are few concerted efforts to protect the forest.
PROTECTOR NEEDS PROTECTION
Efforts to protect the ridge started in the mid-1980s by a couple of non-governmental organisations under the banner of ‘Joint NGO Forum to Save the Delhi Ridge Forest’. The ridge was notified as Reserved Forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 in 1994. The Supreme Court, through various orders, has directed that ridge should be maintained in its pristine glory. The Ridge Management Board was also formed for its protection and conserva-
(also called New Delhi) (also called Mehrauli) (also called Tughlaqabad) Sanjay Gandhi National Park Guindy National Park
tion.
“The most important task is to identify and mark the boundary of the ridge and maintain its sanctity. We need to stop all forms of legal and illegal construction and make efforts to regenerate the ridge,” said Vimlendu Jha, one of the members of the Ridge Management Board.
Ecologists say that in order to make the ridge a fully functional forest, the kikar needs to be eliminated. The Delhi government has allocated Rs 50 crore to eliminate kikar.
“We have asked the Forest Research Institute to prepare a plan. A lot of indigenous plants are also being planted,” said a senior official of the state forest department.
The Maidan Central Park