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Govt assures to demarcate Delhi ridge boundaries by mid-October
The Delhi government on Wednesday assured the National Green
Tribunal that it would complete the task of demarcating ridge forest boundaries
after settling all land disputes by mid-October.
Ridge spread in about 8,000 hectares in parts of northern,
central, south central and southern Delhi was declared a reserve forest 20
years ago but the government has failed to settle forest rights of local people.
This means non-forest activity and encroachment continue.
The tribunal ordered the Delhi government to hear the pleas
of people of Rajokari area that they be allowed to use a road stretch falling
within the ridge area, which, they claim, is the only way for them to go
towards Mehrauli in south Delhi.
"Hear the application and pass an order and place the
same before the tribunal by September 19," the tribunal told the
government.
The Ridge, or the rocky outcrop of Aravali ranges which also
includes Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Aravali Biodiversity Park prevents
hot winds and sand dunes from Rajasthan. Conservation of this arid, open scrub
forest with ‘Kikar’ being the dominant tree species is critical because it
provides a buffer against rising pollution levels in Delhi.
Mining of quartize rocks created a large number of pits,
which now act as water recharge points. The Ridge also prevents erosion and
siltation and provides aesthetics and recreational opportunities.
“A major part of the Ridge was notified in 1994 and 1996
after which no construction should have been allowed. Development has all but
destroyed it,” a plan prepared by the forest department says.
“The ridge is rapidly shrinking, falling prey to
construction activities, land diversion, encroachment and garbage dumping. The
ridge must be conserved and kept free of unrestricted and unplanned urban
development,” the plan says.
"We have asked all stake-holders in the ridge forest to
provide details of boundaries and encroachments in the protected area. Once a
comprehensive report is in within a month, the government can go ahead with
eviction whereever required," said a counsel appearing for the Delhi
government.
"We have finished surveying 15 villages spread in 4000
hectares. The work is on in six more villages --- Asola, Bhatti, Tughlaqabad,
Maidan Garhi, Saidullajab, Pulpehladpur and Fatehpur Beri," he said.
The additional district magistrate (south) of the Delhi
revenue department said of the 27 cases of settlement of rights, 10 have been
settled and 17 are pending in courts.
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