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Delhi govt grants Reserved Forest status to 673.32 hectares of Central Ridge
The Delhi government declared 673.32 hectares of the Central Ridge as Reserved Forest under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, expanding protected Ridge areas in the capital. This follows the 2025 Reserved Forest declaration for part of the Southern Ridge and completes a decades-long process, with plans for further plantations along the Ridge.
Why It Matters
The designation strengthens legal protection for Delhi's ecologically sensitive Ridge areas, aiding biodiversity, air quality, groundwater conservation, and pollution control, while deterring encroachments.
Timeline
4 Events
Total Ridge Reserved Forest area in Delhi reaches 4,754.14 hectares
May 9, 2026
With the latest notification, a total of 4,754.14 hectares of Ridge areas in Delhi have now been granted Reserved Forest status.
Central Ridge Reserved Forest status granted (673.32 hectares)
May 9, 2026
The Delhi government granted Reserved Forest status to 673.32 hectares of the Central Ridge under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The notified area falls under the Western Forest Division and includes parts around Sardar Patel Marg and the President's Estate. This declaration completes a process that had been pending for more than three decades. The government also plans large-scale plantation of native tree species on the Ridge.
Southern Ridge Reserved Forest declaration
October 24, 2025
Around 4,080.82 hectares of the Southern Ridge area had been declared Reserved Forest on October 24, 2025.
Central Ridge initial notification under Indian Forest Act, 1927
1994
The process of granting final legal protection to the Central Ridge began with an initial notification in 1994 under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.