DDA to plant 1,81,700 trees and shrubs in Delhi Ridge, remove 16,240 invasive plants

The Delhi Development Authority is undertaking ecological restoration of approximately 120 hectares across four Ridge areas in Delhi under directions from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. DDA set a target of planting 1,81,700 indigenous trees and shrubs this season while removing around 16,240 invasive trees and shrubs to restore the original native forest ecosystem, as part of the 70 Lakh Plantation Mission launched on July 7.

The four Ridge areas covered are South Central Ridge, Central Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge, and Nanakpura Ridge. The programme envisions planting nearly 1,00,000 indigenous trees and 81,700 native shrubs across these areas during the current plantation season, which runs from the first week of July to mid-September 2026.

As of Monday, DDA has already planted 8,29,313 saplings across Delhi, comprising 35,570 trees and 7,93,743 shrubs. In the Ridge areas specifically, 27,062 saplings have been planted so far, including 12,506 trees and 14,556 shrubs.

The indigenous species being planted include Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Sheesham, Arjun, Jamun, Dhak, Dhau, and Khejri among trees, alongside native shrubs including Harshringar, Karonda, Phalsa, Nirgundi, and Curry Leaf. Naturally occurring native vegetation at the sites has been retained and protected rather than cleared.

What distinguishes this initiative from conventional plantation drives is its grid-based, multi-tier ecological model. Each plantation grid comprises five native trees and four native shrubs planted at carefully determined spacing to ensure proper canopy development, root growth, sunlight penetration, and resource utilisation. Designated Ficus clusters are incorporated at regular intervals to enhance long-term ecological stability. The layout is designed to allow the plantation to gradually evolve into a self-sustaining native forest rather than requiring permanent maintenance.

The multi-tier model recreates the layered structure of natural forests through canopy trees, middle-storey vegetation, understory shrubs, and ground cover. As the plantation matures, it is expected to restore native habitats for birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife, improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge.

The LG had visited the Ridge in May 2026, reviewed its ecological condition, and directed DDA to undertake scientific restoration measures, specifically replacing invasive vegetation with native species, combined with sustained post-plantation maintenance. The restoration programme is being implemented in accordance with the approved Working Plan for the Delhi Ridge.

The environmental benefits extend beyond biodiversity. The restored Ridge is expected to enhance carbon sequestration, filter airborne particulate matter, reduce dust pollution, moderate local temperatures, and mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, which causes dense urban areas like Delhi to retain significantly more heat than surrounding areas.

DDA has partnered with Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, corporate institutions, and volunteer groups to involve citizens in the programme and build a sense of shared ownership toward Delhi’s natural assets.

The Ridge, which runs through Delhi as a forested spur of the ancient Aravalli range, has historically been one of the city’s most critical ecological assets. Decades of encroachment, invasive species spread, and inadequate maintenance have degraded significant portions of the original forest cover. The current programme represents the most systematic attempt in recent years to reverse that degradation using scientifically planned ecological restoration rather than simple replanting.