The Delhi forest department has announced a major rejuvenation plan for the Southern Ridge, targeting the removal of illegally dumped waste and the subsequent planting of 60,000 saplings. This action comes in response to directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a case against the misuse of protected forest land in Bhati village.
NGT Directives Prompt Action
The NGT is currently hearing a plea from a local resident seeking action against the encroachment and misuse of forest land in south Delhi's Bhati village. In November last year, the tribunal noted serious lapses, including the absence of proper boundary fencing, warning signboards, and adequate tree cover, with waste scattered across the area. The NGT had then sought a detailed action report from concerned agencies.
In its recent submission to the NGT, the forest department confirmed it has identified specific land parcels, known as khasra numbers, that lack fencing and plantation. The department has formally written to the Deputy Commissioner of the South Zone on December 19, urging the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to clear the accumulated waste and debris from these forest lands.
The Miyawaki Afforestation Plan
Following the cleanup, the department has a significant greening project lined up. An area of two hectares has been earmarked for intensive plantation. The plan involves creating a dense forest by planting 60,000 saplings of native tree species using the Miyawaki method—a Japanese technique known for creating fast-growing, dense forests.
The forest department's report, dated January 4, states that administrative approval has been sought for this project. "The administrative approval was sought for the creation and maintenance of a dense forest by planting saplings of native species of trees in the ridge forest area of Village Bhatti by adopting the Miyawaki method and demarcating the boundaries by installing fencing around the khasra(s)," the report said.
Addressing Access and Execution Hurdles
One of the practical challenges highlighted is gaining proper access to some land-locked forest parcels. To resolve this, the department wrote to the District Magistrate (South) on January 2, requesting remedial measures to ensure forest officials can reach these areas for plantation and maintenance work.
The department has outlined a clear timeline for the plantation drive. The massive planting exercise is scheduled to be completed within four months, as the winter season is considered unsuitable for planting saplings. This sets a clear deadline for the preparatory cleanup work to be finished.
This concerted effort by the forest department, under the watch of the NGT, marks a critical step towards reclaiming and protecting Delhi's fragile ridge ecosystem. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for the restoration of other degraded forest lands in the national capital region.
