1,000 Acres Of Delhi's Southern Ridge Set To Get Reserved Forest Status
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Urban forestry and ecological restoration: a relevant GS3 topic regarding biodiversity conservation.
Why in news
The Delhi government approved granting Reserved Forest status to nearly 1,000 acres of the Southern Ridge to enhance legal protection and ecosystem revival.
Background
The Southern Ridge covers approximately 6,200 hectares and is the largest part of Delhi’s ridge system. The notification increases the total protected ridge area to around 13,000 acres.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceSouthern Ridge: The largest part of Delhi’s ridge system covering about 6,200 hectares.
- FactTotal protected ridge area in Delhi: approximately 13,000 acres post-notification.
- FactArea granted Reserved Forest status: nearly 1,000 acres.
- BodyA management board was formed in 2026 to oversee restoration and invasive species control.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Southern Ridge in Delhi, consider the following statements:
- The Southern Ridge is the smallest part of Delhi's ridge system.
- The notification increases the total protected ridge area to approximately 13,000 acres.
- The area granted Reserved Forest status covers approximately 6,200 hectares.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is the largest part of Delhi's ridge system. Statement 3 is incorrect: Nearly 1,000 acres were granted Reserved Forest status; 6,200 hectares is the total area of the ridge.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of designating urban forest areas as Reserved Forests in mitigating the ecological impact of rapid urbanization in the National Capital Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological restoration: Balancing native flora preservation against the spread of invasive species in urban corridors.
- Legal protection: Utilizing Reserved Forest status to curb historical encroachment and unauthorized construction since 1994.
- Institutional oversight: Role of dedicated management boards in ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.
Keywords: Ecosystem revival · Reserved Forest status · Invasive species management · Urban forestry · Ecological restoration
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.