The Delhi government has announced a substantial initiative to plant over 10 lakh native trees throughout the Southern Ridge as part of an eco-restoration programme. This project aims to rehabilitate degraded areas of the Aravalli landscape and contribute to the city’s overall green cover. The Department of Forests and Wildlife will spearhead this effort, particularly focusing on areas surrounding the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

The initiative is strategically centred on large-scale plantation and habitat restoration, emphasising the use of native species that are well-suited to the ridge environment. This approach includes scientific restoration measures aimed at revitalising former mining sites and other environmentally damaged land.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that the goal of this programme is to transform degraded landscapes into self-sustaining forest ecosystems. These ecosystems are expected to provide essential support for local wildlife, improve air quality, and increase ecological resilience across the region.

Conservation Efforts Surrounding Wildlife

As part of the broader conservation initiatives, the department has developed 218 waterholes within the sanctuary. These water sources are crucial for wildlife, especially during the summer months when water availability can be limited. The waterholes are strategically placed along wildlife movement corridors and are routinely replenished with potable water to support various animal and bird species.

Field observations and recent camera-trap images reveal a diverse range of species inhabiting the sanctuary, such as the Indian leopard, striped hyena, and spotted deer, alongside various reptiles and birds. The department continues to focus on enhancing conservation measures that include protecting natural water bodies and establishing bird-watching trails.

Alongside these efforts, ongoing plantation management activities are being conducted across Delhi’s Ridge forests. Bharat Nursery, located within the sanctuary, currently houses nearly six lakh saplings of native species. These saplings are an integral part of afforestation projects, urban greening initiatives, and community-focused distribution efforts.

Upcoming Campaigns and Broader Green Initiatives

This announcement follows a recent visit to the sanctuary by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Sirsa to review current plantation and conservation activities. During this visit, Gupta revealed plans for a forthcoming “Clean Delhi, Green Delhi” campaign, set to launch next month. This ambitious campaign aims to plant 70 lakh saplings across the city, further underpinning Delhi’s commitment to environmental revitalisation.

The initiative for the Southern Ridge is part of this larger commitment aimed at extending Delhi’s green cover and restoring habitats that have been adversely affected by urban development. The government’s strategy reflects a significant shift towards prioritising environmental health and sustainability in urban planning.

These collective efforts signify an important step for the Delhi government in fostering ecological awareness and encouraging community involvement in greening the capital. Through these initiatives, the government aims to instil a sense of responsibility among citizens towards preserving the environment for future generations.

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