Context:
The Delhi government announced its decision to notify approximately 41 sq. km of the Southern Ridge area as a reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Key Highlights / Details:
- The Southern Ridge, part of the Delhi Ridge (extension of the Aravallis), is an important green lung and ecological barrier against desertification.
- In January 2021, NGT ordered the Delhi government to declare parts of the Ridge as reserved forest.
- Despite the order, progress was delayed due to administrative inaction.
- The NGT criticized the delay and, in July 2025, directed authorities to comply within two weeks.
- The notification will be issued under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
- The move is part of a larger initiative to protect Ridge areas from encroachment, urbanization, and environmental degradation.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Indian Forest Act, 1927 – classification: Reserved Forest, Protected Forest, Village Forest
- Ridge in Delhi – Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge
- NGT established in 2010 under NGT Act
- Article 48A – Protection and improvement of the environment
- Article 51A(g) – Fundamental Duty to protect natural environment
Relevant Mains Points:
- Urban environmental governance and ecological protection
- Role of judiciary in environmental conservation
- Conflict between development pressures and environmental sustainability
- Importance of forests in combating air pollution in NCR