The Delhi government has approved the Phase-I notification to declare 277.56 acres of the Northern Ridge as reserved forest. The notification covers 112.328 hectares under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Northern Ridge was an “invaluable” part of Delhi’s natural heritage. She said its protection was crucial for the city’s environmental health and for future generations. The Ridge is part of the Aravalli range and is one of Delhi’s key green areas.

With this addition, the total area notified as reserved forest in Delhi will reach 5,363.169 hectares, or about 13,252 acres. The government said 5,267 hectares have been notified during the present government’s tenure, compared with 96.16 hectares under previous governments.

The move follows last month’s approval to notify around 1,000 acres in the Southern Ridge as reserved forest. Officials said the measures are part of a broader effort to protect Delhi’s Ridge areas.

The government said more than 73 lakh saplings have been planted across Delhi this year. Citizen campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Vriksh Rath’ are encouraging residents to take part in plantations. The next phase will focus on demarcation, habitat management and community participation.