Delhi Ridge balding due to heavy traffic and illegal const'ions

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) The green lung of the national capital, Delhi Ridge, is losing its green cover with heavy traffic flow and illegal constructions, according to a study conducted by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

The study also indicated degradation of forest cover in several parts of the Ridge due to various activities such as construction of building and roads and dumping of debris.

Inspection records of Ridge Management Board (RMB) also indicated that land owning agencies like Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had constructed structures and pathways in the area. Evidence of dumping debris on the Ridge had also been noticed.

However, RMB has taken cognizance of some activities that did not blend with the surroundings, and issued directions to all the concerned agencies to discontinue such activities.

The board had told the agencies that there should be no constructions at the Ridge and all roads inside the area, except lanes essential for protection and maintenance of the Ridge, had to be abandoned.

The green area would not be used as a thoroughfare and only native species would be planted on the Ridge, it added.

It also called for repair and strengthening of the fencing, absolutely no dumping of garbage and debris, and proper demarcation of the southern Ridge.

UNI IP CS PM1336