New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has intensified ecological restoration on the Ridge this monsoon, aiming to plant 1 lakh trees of indigenous species and 81,700 native shrubs across 120 hectares in four areas by the end of Sept.The drive spans the Nanakpura Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge, South Central Ridge and Central Ridge.Based on directions by lieutenant governor TS Sandhu, DDA is replacing invasive vegetation with the indigenous species through a grid-based, multi-tier planting model to revive the Ridge’s native ecosystem, an official said.The drive will recreate the structure and ecological functions of Delhi’s native forests, rather than merely increasing tree cover. “Most restored sites are protected by boundary walls, while bio-fencing and security guards are being deployed wherever required,” the official added.On South Central Ridge, which is Sanjay Van, the restoration is across more than 90 hectares of the 626-hectare forest. The restoration also covers 18 hectares on Central Ridge, 10 hectares on Northern Ridge and 1.5 hectares on Nanakpura Ridge.On Nanakpura Ridge, around 1,200 indigenous trees and 1,600 native shrubs are being planted after removing invasive species. The native species include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak (Palash), Dhau and Khejri. The shrubs that will be planted are Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi and Curry Leaf. “Existing native vegetation has been retained to preserve the site’s ecological character,” an official added.The plants are watered on alternate days, depending on the rainfall and soil moisture. “Though the survival rate is high for planting done in the monsoon, we are also ensuring care. The initiative marks a shift from conventional planting drives to landscape-scale ecological restoration for self-sustaining native forests,” an official said.A key feature of the programme is the scientifically designed grid-based system — a method of arranging trees, or plants in evenly spaced geometric patterns such as squares or rectangles, rather than planting them randomly.“Each grid comprises five native trees and four native shrubs planted at fixed intervals to ensure healthy canopy development, root growth, sunlight and efficient use of resources. Ficus clusters have been introduced at regular intervals to strengthen long-term ecological stability,” an official said.The restoration follows a multi-tier model with canopy trees, middle-storey vegetation, understory shrubs and ground vegetation to replicate natural forests.Sandhu reviewed the Ridge’s restoration programme during a visit in May and directed DDA officials to start the work of reviving the Ridge’s ecosystem.
