Delhi to plant 10 lakh native trees to revive Southern Ridge, improve air quality

The Delhi government will plant more than 10 lakh native trees across the Southern Ridge under an eco-restoration programme. The move aims to revive degraded Aravalli habitats, support wildlife and improve air quality.

In Short

• Focus on Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary for restoration of green cover
• Delhi govt to build 218 waterholes to support wildlife in summer
• Rekha Gupta says govt to launch 'Clean Delhi, Green Delhi' campaign soon

The Delhi government has said more than 10 lakh native trees will be planted across the Southern Ridge under an eco-restoration programme to revive degraded parts of the Aravalli landscape and strengthen the city’s green cover.

The Department of Forests and Wildlife said the work is centred on the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, where large-scale plantation and habitat restoration are under way. The programme focuses on native and ridge-specific species and on restoring former mining areas and other degraded land through scientific measures.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative is meant to turn degraded landscapes into self-sustaining forest ecosystems that support wildlife, improve air quality and enhance ecological resilience. He said planting over 10 lakh native trees across the Southern Ridge would help restore the natural character of the Aravalli ecosystem.

The department said 218 waterholes have been developed across the sanctuary to support wildlife, particularly during the summer months when water scarcity becomes a concern. It said these waterholes have been created along wildlife movement corridors and are regularly replenished with potable water for animals and birds.

According to the department, recent camera-trap images and field observations have recorded several species in the sanctuary, including the Indian leopard, striped hyena, spotted deer, porcupine, reptiles and a variety of bird species. It said conservation measures around natural water bodies, bird-watching trails and plantation management activities are also being carried out across Delhi’s Ridge forests.

The department added that Bharat Nursery, located within the sanctuary, currently maintains nearly six lakh saplings of native species, which are being used for afforestation and habitat restoration projects, urban greening initiatives and free distribution among citizens.

The announcement came days after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Sirsa visited the sanctuary to review plantation and conservation activities in the area. During the visit, Gupta announced that the Delhi government would launch a “Clean Delhi, Green Delhi” campaign next month, with a target of planting 70 lakh saplings across the city.

The latest plan for the Southern Ridge is part of that wider push to expand Delhi’s green cover and restore damaged habitats.

- Ends