Delhi govt declares Southern Ridge as “Reserved Forest” to curb pollution
The Delhi government has declared a 41-square-kilometer area of the Southern Ridge as a “Reserved Forest” in a bid to combat pollution and enhance the city’s environmental balance, reports 24brussels.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this significant initiative, emphasizing its impact on increasing Delhi’s green cover and improving air quality. The move is part of a broader effort to cultivate a sustainable environment for the capital.
“To protect Delhi from pollution and to strengthen environmental balance, the Delhi government has taken an important decision. The 41 square kilometer area of the Southern Ridge has been declared a ‘Reserved Forest,’ which will significantly expand Delhi’s green cover and improve air quality. This decision is a historic step towards realizing the resolve of ‘Green and Sustainable Delhi,'” Rekha Gupta stated on X.
In related environmental efforts, the Supreme Court indicated on Friday a possible lifting of restrictions on the use of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region during Diwali. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai is set to deliberate on relaxing the current absolute ban.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented Delhi-NCR and Haryana during the session, advocating for limited use of green firecrackers between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali, as well as on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. He assured the court that periodic inspections would ensure compliance with the regulations on approved green firecracker formulations.
This announcement follows the Supreme Court’s authorization on September 26 for the manufacturing of green firecrackers in Delhi, contingent on a prohibition against selling them in the National Capital Region.
