Context: Delhi’s Central Ridge, a semi-wild forest landscape in the heart of the city, is undergoing an extensive “restoration” exercise involving removal of vegetation and large-scale plantation.
The article argues that the current approach risks dismantling an existing natural ecosystem in the name of restoring it, thereby weakening the ecological functions of the Ridge.
Central Ridge: Ecological Significance
The Central Ridge is part of the Delhi Ridge, the northern extension of the Aravalli Range, and historically functioned as a semi-wild landscape within Delhi.
Nearly half of the Ridge had been lost to urbanisation by the 1960s, making the remaining forested areas particularly important for the city's ecological security.
Despite urban pressures, the Ridge continues to support jackals, nilgais, foxes, hares, mongoose, rodents, snakes and other wildlife.
The Invasive Vilayati Keekar
Vilayati keekar (Prosopis juliflora), introduced in the 1920s, has become widespread across the Ridge because it is highly tolerant of heat, drought and poor soils.
Its spread has been viewed as a major ecological problem because it can suppress native vegetation and alter habitat characteristics.
However, the article argues that its removal should be phased and selective, rather than accompanied by wholesale clearing of existing woody vegetation.
Current “Restoration” Approach
The Forest Department describes the exercise as restoring the Ridge to its “pristine purity”.
In recent months, bulldozers have reportedly cleared large areas, removing old woody shrubs and lianas, along with Vilayati keekar.
The stated objective is to establish a dense plantation, based on recommendations associated with the Forest Research Institute.
Cleared areas are being replanted with trees, including species that the article argues are not naturally characteristic of the Delhi Ridge.
Some trees are being planted at very high densities—around 2,500 trees per hectare in certain areas—raising questions about whether such plantations resemble natural forests.
Why the Approach is Ecologically Problematic
Natural regeneration vs plantation: A natural forest is a complex ecosystem involving native vegetation, soil organisms, insects, animals and natural ecological processes; simply planting large numbers of trees does not recreate this system.
Loss of existing habitat: Removing old shrubs, trees and lianas can destroy existing habitats even before replacement vegetation becomes established.
Grassland concerns: Dense tree plantations can suppress grasses and open habitats that support particular species, thereby reducing habitat diversity.
The article therefore questions whether the current approach represents genuine ecological restoration or merely conversion of the Ridge into a landscaped urban park.
“Parkification” of the Ridge
The article raises concerns over plans involving ornamental plants, municipal-style landscaping, gaushalas and interpretation centres.
Such interventions could transform a semi-natural landscape into a managed recreational space, reducing its ecological character.
Dense Miyawaki plantations are also questioned because they may create artificial, densely planted vegetation rather than restoring the structure and species composition of the original landscape.
Ecological Risks of Large-Scale Disturbance
Clearing vegetation exposes large quantities of dry and loose soil, increasing the possibility of wind-blown dust and worsening Delhi’s air-quality problems.
Intensive plantation can create substantial water requirements, raising concerns in a water-stressed city.
Irrigation using treated sewage water may introduce excess nutrients and residues of pesticides or other contaminants, potentially affecting soil and plant health.
Excessive disturbance of soil can also affect soil microorganisms, fungi and insects, which are essential components of forest ecosystems.
Concerns Regarding Anti-Termite Chemicals
Some restoration contracts reportedly require the use of toxic chemicals for anti-termite treatment during plantation.
This is ecologically problematic because termites are important components of forest ecosystems and contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling and soil processes.
Broad-spectrum chemical use can therefore harm non-target organisms and soil biodiversity.
Why Removal of Vilayati Keekar Needs a Better Strategy
Vilayati keekar is invasive in several parts of Delhi and its control may be necessary, but complete and rapid clearance can itself cause ecological damage.
A more ecologically sensitive approach would involve phased removal, allowing native vegetation and associated ecological communities to recover.
The article argues that eradication should not become an excuse for clearing everything first and planting everything later.
Delhi Ridge
Origin and Geography
The Delhi Ridge is an extension of the Aravalli Range, one of India's oldest geological formations.
It acts as an important green buffer within an intensely urbanised region.
The Ridge contributes to biodiversity conservation, groundwater-related ecological functions, temperature moderation and dust control.
Ecological Restoration vs Afforestation
Afforestation: Establishing tree cover, often through planting, on land that may not have recently carried forests.
Reforestation: Re-establishing forest cover where forests have been degraded or removed.
Ecological restoration: A broader process aimed at recovering the structure, composition, functions and ecological processes of a degraded ecosystem.
Therefore, more trees do not necessarily mean a restored forest; species selection, ecological succession, soil health, habitat diversity and natural regeneration are equally important.
