{"id":2150,"date":"2026-07-27T16:16:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/?p=2150"},"modified":"2026-07-27T16:16:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:46:20","slug":"honble-lg-sardar-taranjit-singh-sandhu-directs-for-scientific-ecological-restoration-of-delhi-ridge-to-restore-native-forest-ecosystems-and-strengthen-delhis-environmental-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/?p=2150","title":{"rendered":"Hon&#8217;ble LG, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu directs for scientific ecological restoration of Delhi Ridge to restore native forest ecosystems and strengthen Delhi&#8217;s environmental resilience."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><b>Press Release | <\/b><b>27.07.2026<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b>Plantation being done in Ridge area through a grid-based, multi-tier plantation model using indigenous tree and shrub species.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b>The target for Ridge area in the current plantation season is 1,81,700 trees and shrubs.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b>Indigenous species being planted include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak (Palash), Dhau and Khejri, along with native shrubs such as Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi and Curry Leaf.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b>Ecological restoration to cover approximately 120 hectares across Nanakpura Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge, South Central Ridge and Central Ridge.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b>Initiative to strengthen biodiversity, improve air quality, enhance climate resilience and rebuild Delhi&#8217;s native forest ecosystems.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Under the guidance of the Hon&#8217;ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is undertaking large-scale ecological restoration of the Delhi Ridge through a scientifically designed grid-based, multi-tier plantation model, using indigenous tree and shrub species. The restoration programme is being implemented in accordance with the approved Working Plan for the Delhi Ridge and forms part of the 70 Lakh Plantation Mission launched by the Hon&#8217;ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, under the &#8216;Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam&#8217; campaign on 7 July 2026. The DDA has been entrusted with planting 23 lakh indigenous saplings across the National Capital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The initiative marks a shift from conventional plantation drives towards landscape-scale ecological restoration aimed at rebuilding self-sustaining native forest ecosystems and strengthening Delhi&#8217;s biodiversity, environmental resilience and natural infrastructure. During his visit to the Ridge in May this year, the Hon&#8217;ble Lieutenant Governor reviewed the ecological condition of the area and directed DDA to undertake scientific restoration measures for the revival of the Ridge ecosystem through the replacement of invasive vegetation with native species and sustained post-plantation maintenance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Acting on these directions, DDA has taken up ecological restoration over approximately 120 hectares across South Central Ridge, Central Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge and Nanakpura Ridge. The programme envisages the removal of approximately 16,240 invasive trees and shrubs and plantation of nearly 1,00,000 indigenous trees and 81,700 native shrubs. The objective is not merely to increase green cover, but to restore the original structure, composition and ecological functions of Delhi&#8217;s native Ridge forests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">As part of the ongoing plantation season, which commenced in the first week of July and will continue till mid-September 2026, DDA has already planted 8,29,313 saplings across Delhi, comprising 35,570 trees and 7,93,743 shrubs. In the Ridge areas, DDA has planted 27,062 saplings, including 12,506 trees and 14,556 shrubs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Indigenous species being planted include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak (Palash), Dhau and Khejri, along with native shrubs such as Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi and Curry Leaf, while naturally occurring native vegetation has been carefully retained and protected.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">To transform plantation into a people&#8217;s movement, DDA has partnered with Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, corporate institutions and volunteer groups, encouraging citizens to actively participate in greening Delhi and fostering a sense of shared ownership towards the city&#8217;s natural assets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">A distinctive feature of the restoration programme is its scientifically designed grid-based plantation system, wherein each plantation grid comprises five native trees and four native shrubs planted at carefully determined spacing to ensure optimum canopy development, healthy root growth, adequate sunlight penetration and efficient utilisation of available resources. Designated Ficus clusters have also been incorporated at regular intervals to enhance long-term ecological stability. The systematic layout being followed as per site conditions, facilitates efficient irrigation, maintenance and monitoring during the establishment phase while enabling the plantation to gradually evolve into a stable, self-sustaining native forest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The restoration follows a multi-tier ecological model that recreates the layered structure of natural forests through canopy trees, middle-storey vegetation, understory shrubs and ground vegetation. As the plantation matures, it is expected to restore native habitats for birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife, improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen the ecological resilience of the Ridge ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Beyond biodiversity conservation, the programme will significantly strengthen Delhi&#8217;s natural infrastructure by enhancing carbon sequestration, filtering airborne particulate matter, reducing dust pollution, moderating local temperatures and mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect. The restored Ridge will continue to function as one of Delhi&#8217;s most important green lungs, improving ambient air quality, supporting climate resilience and contributing to the physical and mental well-being of citizens by providing healthier, cooler and ecologically richer urban landscapes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Through this long-term ecological restoration programme, DDA reaffirms its commitment to conserving Delhi&#8217;s native forest ecosystems and creating a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient National Capital for present and future generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Press Release | 27.07.2026 Plantation being done in Ridge area through a grid-based, multi-tier plantation model using indigenous tree and shrub species. The target for Ridge area in the current plantation season is 1,81,700 trees and shrubs. Indigenous species being planted include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak (Palash), Dhau and Khejri, along with native shrubs such as Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi and Curry Leaf. Ecological restoration to cover approximately 120 hectares across Nanakpura Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge, South Central Ridge and Central Ridge. Initiative to strengthen biodiversity, improve air quality, enhance climate resilience and rebuild Delhi&#8217;s native forest ecosystems. Under the guidance of the Hon&#8217;ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is undertaking large-scale ecological restoration of the Delhi Ridge through a scientifically designed grid-based, multi-tier plantation model, using indigenous tree and shrub species. The restoration programme is being implemented in accordance with the approved Working Plan for the Delhi Ridge and forms part of the 70 Lakh Plantation Mission launched by the Hon&#8217;ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, under the &#8216;Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam&#8217; campaign on 7 July 2026. The DDA has been entrusted with planting 23 lakh indigenous saplings across the National Capital. The initiative marks a shift from conventional plantation drives towards landscape-scale ecological restoration aimed at rebuilding self-sustaining native forest ecosystems and strengthening Delhi&#8217;s biodiversity, environmental resilience and natural infrastructure. During his visit to the Ridge in May this year, the Hon&#8217;ble Lieutenant Governor reviewed the ecological condition of the area and directed DDA to undertake scientific restoration measures for the revival of the Ridge ecosystem through the replacement of invasive vegetation with native species and sustained post-plantation maintenance. Acting on these directions, DDA has taken up ecological restoration over approximately 120 hectares across South Central Ridge, Central Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge and Nanakpura Ridge. The programme envisages the removal of approximately 16,240 invasive trees and shrubs and plantation of nearly 1,00,000 indigenous trees and 81,700 native shrubs. The objective is not merely to increase green cover, but to restore the original structure, composition and ecological functions of Delhi&#8217;s native Ridge forests. As part of the ongoing plantation season, which commenced in the first week of July and will continue till mid-September 2026, DDA has already planted 8,29,313 saplings across Delhi, comprising 35,570 trees and 7,93,743 shrubs. In the Ridge areas, DDA has planted 27,062 saplings, including 12,506 trees and 14,556 shrubs. Indigenous species being planted include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak (Palash), Dhau and Khejri, along with native shrubs such as Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi and Curry Leaf, while naturally occurring native vegetation has been carefully retained and protected. To transform plantation into a people&#8217;s movement, DDA has partnered with Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, corporate institutions and volunteer groups, encouraging citizens to actively participate in greening Delhi and fostering a sense of shared ownership towards the city&#8217;s natural assets. A distinctive feature of the restoration programme is its scientifically designed grid-based plantation system, wherein each plantation grid comprises five native trees and four native shrubs planted at carefully determined spacing to ensure optimum canopy development, healthy root growth, adequate sunlight penetration and efficient utilisation of available resources. Designated Ficus clusters have also been incorporated at regular intervals to enhance long-term ecological stability. The systematic layout being followed as per site conditions, facilitates efficient irrigation, maintenance and monitoring during the establishment phase while enabling the plantation to gradually evolve into a stable, self-sustaining native forest. The restoration follows a multi-tier ecological model that recreates the layered structure of natural forests through canopy trees, middle-storey vegetation, understory shrubs and ground vegetation. As the plantation matures, it is expected to restore native habitats for birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife, improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen the ecological resilience of the Ridge ecosystem. Beyond biodiversity conservation, the programme will significantly strengthen Delhi&#8217;s natural infrastructure by enhancing carbon sequestration, filtering airborne particulate matter, reducing dust pollution, moderating local temperatures and mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect. The restored Ridge will continue to function as one of Delhi&#8217;s most important green lungs, improving ambient air quality, supporting climate resilience and contributing to the physical and mental well-being of citizens by providing healthier, cooler and ecologically richer urban landscapes. Through this long-term ecological restoration programme, DDA reaffirms its commitment to conserving Delhi&#8217;s native forest ecosystems and creating a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient National Capital for present and future generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1837,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-delhi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2150"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2151,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2150\/revisions\/2151"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samachar18news.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}