Delhi Ridge Restoration: Prioritising Ecology over Plantation Targets

Context

Delhi is undertaking efforts to restore the Delhi Ridge, including the removal of invasive vegetation and a proposed plantation drive involving around 14 lakh saplings. However, the success of restoration should be measured by ecological recovery and survival, rather than merely the number of saplings planted.

Key Highlights

• Ecological significance: The Delhi Ridge is the northern extension of the Aravalli system and serves as an important ecological buffer for the capital.
• Threat from invasive species: Invasive plants can suppress native vegetation and disturb natural fire, water and ecological cycles.
• Plantation vs restoration: Large plantation numbers have little ecological value if species are unsuitable, survival rates are low and long term maintenance is inadequate.
• Governance concerns: Repeated instances of encroachment and inadequate protection of notified forest and Ridge areas highlight the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement.

Key Concepts

• Delhi Ridge: An Aravalli derived rocky forest landscape comprising northern, central, south central and southern sections.
• Invasive Alien Species: Non native species that spread rapidly and adversely affect native ecosystems.
• Ecological Restoration: The process of facilitating the recovery of a degraded ecosystem’s structure, functions and native biodiversity.
• Compensatory Afforestation: Plantation undertaken to compensate for the diversion of forest land; it cannot substitute for the restoration of a natural forest ecosystem.
• Survival Audit: Independent assessment of the survival and growth of planted saplings over time.

Way Forward

• Prioritise native, Ridge specific species and assisted natural regeneration.
• Remove invasive vegetation in a phased manner to minimise erosion and ecological disturbance.
• Publish geotagged data on sapling survival and ecological outcomes.
• Protect restored areas from encroachment, dumping and infrastructure induced fragmentation.

Bottom Line

The restoration of the Delhi Ridge must move beyond plantation targets towards ecosystem restoration, with greater emphasis on native biodiversity, survival rates, ecological functionality and long term protection.