Delhi Ridge to Get One Crore Saplings, Legal Cover: Amit Shah
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on Tuesday launched two green initiatives in the national capital aimed at significantly increasing the tree cover and providing legal protection to the Delhi Ridge. Speaking at an event, Mr. Shah stated that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Delhi government, in collaboration with residents, will plant 70 lakh saplings across the city. Additionally, over one crore saplings will be planted across 6,300 hectares of the Ridge over the next four years, with the goal of developing it into a forest area and ensuring its protection.
Mr. Shah, who participated in plantation drives in the Central Ridge and Nanakpura Ridge areas, said both the Union and Delhi governments will work to rejuvenate the Ridge. The effort includes replacing invasive species such as babul with native trees like peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun, aiming to make the Ridge the 'lungs of Delhi'. The plan also involves developing over 70 ponds, preserving archaeological structures, and creating themed forests to encourage public engagement with nature.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was present at the event, mentioned that work is underway to develop five water bodies in the Ridge. Highlighting efforts to protect the city's tree cover, Mr. Shah noted that over the past year, the Delhi government had provided protection to 5,000 hectares in the Ridge by notifying the areas as reserved forests. 'For years, the Delhi Ridge had been overgrown with environmentally unfriendly trees. By giving legal protection to the Ridge, we aim to revive its biodiversity, soil, water, and environment,' Mr. Shah said.
However, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav welcomed the announcements but expressed doubts about the Delhi government's commitment to protecting trees. He pointed to the Forest Department's recent decision to permit the transplanting of 1,049 trees and cutting down 42 more for a project in Sarojini Nagar, questioning the government's consistency in preserving green cover.
