New Delhi: In a landmark move, the Delhi government has granted reserved forest status to 673.3 hectares of the Central Ridge, providing the highest legal protection to the city's 'green lungs' after a wait of more than three decades. Part of the ancient Aravali range, the Central Ridge is a long rocky forest area running through the heart of the city, bordering iconic landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Sardar Patel Marg, and the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri. It acts as a massive green buffer, improving air quality and conserving biodiversity.
Highest Legal Protection Under Indian Forest Act
A reserved forest receives the highest degree of legal protection under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The initial notification of ridge areas was made in 1994, but they did not receive legal protection at that time. Now, with the latest notification under Section 20 of the Act, the Central Ridge is officially a reserved forest. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Saturday, stating, "The decision would prove to be a milestone in strengthening Delhi's natural heritage, biodiversity and ecological security. Providing legal protection to Delhi's ecologically sensitive ridge areas had remained pending for several decades."
Ecological Significance of Central Ridge
The Central Ridge is home to a wide variety of bird species and animals such as jackals and blackbucks. It falls under the western forest division of the forest department and is largely dominated by vilayati kikar vegetation. Stretching along both sides of Upper Ridge Road, it is part of the 'green lungs' of the city due to its role in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, strengthening groundwater levels, and mitigating the impact of climate change and urban pollution. Gupta added, "This decision reflects our commitment towards environmental conservation, expansion of green cover and securing a safe and balanced future for coming generations."
Restrictions in Reserved Forest Areas
Activities such as construction, tree felling, mining, encroachment, and other non-forest uses are heavily restricted in a reserved forest area unless specifically permitted by the government. The objective is to ensure long-term conservation of ecologically significant forest land, protect biodiversity, prevent deforestation and encroachment, and maintain ecological balance. "Despite the initial notification of ridge areas in 1994, they could not receive the final legal protection for a long period. Taking decisive steps in this direction, the current government has achieved a historic milestone in environmental conservation," Gupta said.
Expansion of Protected Ridge Areas
The Chief Minister noted that all ridge areas of Delhi were initially notified in 1994 under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act. Subsequently, around 4,080.8 hectares of Southern Ridge were declared reserved forest on October 24, 2025. With the latest notification, the government has granted reserved forest status to 4,754.1 hectares of ridge land. Other ridge areas of Delhi will also soon be notified as reserved forests, and the process is being expedited.
Delhi Ridge: The 'Lungs of Delhi'
A dry deciduous forestland, the Delhi Ridge is divided into four major zones: Northern Ridge, Central Ridge, South-Central Ridge, and Southern Ridge. Together, they form the extension of the Aravali range within Delhi. The entire area houses various historical monuments, biodiversity parks, and a wildlife sanctuary. Home to more than 100 avian species, the ridge is one of the best spots in Delhi for birdwatching. Its prominent role in protecting the city against the hot winds of the Rajasthan deserts has earned it the nickname 'lungs of Delhi'.
Plantation Drive and Future Plans
The Delhi government has also decided to undertake large-scale plantation of native and environmentally suitable species, including neem, peepal, shisham, jamun, tamarind, and mango, in vacant areas across the reserved forest regions. Gupta said that the aim is not only to increase green cover but also to strengthen the ecology of ridge areas, conserve biodiversity, maintain soil fertility, and preserve ecological balance. An official stated that the reserved forest status would provide stronger statutory protection to the region and help prevent encroachments, illegal activities, and ecological degradation, while strengthening scientific conservation and forest management efforts. "Our objective is not merely to increase greenery, but to permanently strengthen Delhi's environmental balance. The decision would prove to be a significant step towards ensuring clean air, a secure environment and better quality of life for future generations," the Chief Minister concluded.
