Status Report by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Delhi on steps taken to protect and conserve the Ridge, 21/01/2025
Status Report by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), on behalf of the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) in OA No 1188 of 2024 (News item titled Why efforts to reclaim the Ridge - Delhi's lungs - Is no easy task" which appeared in the Indian Express, September 9, 2024. The DCF report was dated January 21, 2025.
The report stated that there has been a perpetual increase in green cover (forest and tree cover) in Delhi through the concerned efforts of the forest department with all greening agencies. The same has been reflected in India State of Forest Reports (ISFR) of the Forest Survey of India (FSI). As far as forest/tree protection in NCT of Delhi is concerned, the area of NCT of Delhi has been divided into four territorial Forest Divisions each headed by Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF). These forest divisions are divided into forest ranges, which are further divided into forest beats.
The jurisdiction of Forest Divisions, Forest Ranges and Forest Beats have been clearly delineated and DCFs, Range Officers/ Deputy Range Officers and Foresters/ Forest Guards are posted accordingly to protect and preserve the Forests and Trees of NCT of Delhi in addition to other duties such as scientific management of forest, afforestation, wildlife management and protection.
The entire area of Khasra no 690/574 in village Maidangarhi is falling in southern Ridge, morphological Ridge and eco-sensitive zone of Asola Bhatti sanctuary.