Why in the News?
The Delhi High Court is set to physically inspect the Central and Southern parts of Delhi Ridge to assess the extent of afforestation and cutting of trees in the area.
Deforestation in Delhi Ridge:Over 308 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area has been encroached and another 183 hectares “diverted” for “non-forestry purposes”. ( Data by Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report to the Supreme Court, 2023.) |
About Delhi Ridge
- Delhi Ridge is located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, extending as a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
-
- Composed primarily of quartzite rocks, it spans approximately 35 kilometres from Tughlaqabad in the southeast to Wazirabad in the north along the Yamuna River.
- Ecological Significance:
-
- It acts as the “green lungs” of Delhi, providing crucial ecological services such as carbon sequestration and habitat for wildlife.
- It protects Delhi from the hot desert winds originating from Rajasthan to the west.
- It supports diverse flora and fauna, making Delhi one of the world’s most bird-rich capital cities.
- Efforts are ongoing to maintain biodiversity through biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries like the Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Geographical Features
- The ridge is believed to be over 1.5 billion years old, making it an ancient geological formation compared to the Himalayas (50 million years old).
- It functions as a watershed, dividing the Indus Plain to the west from the Gangetic Plain to the east within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Administrative Divisions:
- Divided into four main zones: Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge.
- Each zone has distinct characteristics and faces varying degrees of urban encroachment and conservation efforts.
