Encroachments, land diversions threaten Delhi Ridge, the national capital’s lungs

• Over 308 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area have been encroached and another 183 hectares “diverted” for “non-forestry purposes”, a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report informed the Supreme Court.

Highlights:

• The Delhi Ridge is the tail end of the ancient Aravalli Hills, which is around 1,500 million years old and stretches through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• “Delhi Ridge”, the green lungs of the national capital, is under threat with five percent under encroachment, and 4% diversion
• These are official figures and actual encroachment can be much more and can be found out only after the entire boundary of Delhi Ridge is secured by geo-tagged pillars.
• challenges faced by the Delhi Ridge,
  • include rapid urbanization,
  • manifold increase in the population of Delhi and
  • rapacious exploitation of resources.
• The Delhi Ridge, a vital ecological and geographical feature, stands at a critical juncture marred by a myriad of challenges.

Prelims takeaway

• Forest Conservation Act, 1980
• Delhi Ridge