Govt plan ‘Qurani Van’ as part of themed-forest initiative
In the lines of Ritu Van, Nakshatra Van, Rashi Van, Thirthankar Van, Bel Van, and Panchvati Van, the Delhi government’s forest department is planning to add a new “Qurani Van” to its list of themed forests in the national capital as part of its broader push to expand green cover while linking ecology with cultural traditions.
According to officials, the plantation plan for the Qurani Van is still under discussion, but it may include species that hold cultural or religious significance in Islamic traditions, such as date palms and similar flora.
The proposed Qurani Van is aimed at increasing plantations in Delhi while also strengthening the connection between people and nature, the official said, adding that the initiative is designed to reflect the long-standing interconnection between communities and the natural environment. Planting trees is regarded as Sadaqatul Jaariya (ongoing charity). The one who plants trees will be rewarded for it as long as any living being benefits from it.
“These forests will enhance plantations in the national capital, add ecological value and attract more people to forest areas while educating them about different cultural aspects in an engaging manner,” the official said.
The development is being added to the broader themed-forest project that was reported earlier, which includes a series of “special vans”, such as Ritu Van, Nakshatra Van, Rashi Van, Thirthankar Van, Bel Van and Panchvati Van.
Spanning over two acres in various regions of the Central and South Ridge, the plantations will incorporate themes like zodiac signs, ancient traditions, and sacred groves. This initiative seeks to provide educational experiences linked to cultural themes in an engaging manner.
Ritu Van will feature trees linked to different seasons to showcase changes in flowering and foliage through the year, while Nakshatra Van will include plants associated with stars and constellations.
Rashi Van will be based on zodiac signs, Thirthankar Van will honour Jain spiritual teachers, Bel Van will focus on the bael tree, and Panchvati Van will draw from the concept of sacred groves linked to the five elements, the senior official said.
The forest department has started the process to develop several of these themed forests in the Central Ridge, while separate work on Nakshatra Van and Bel Van will be taken up in the South Ridge as part of the broader plan to create such green spaces across Delhi, an official tender document said. Bamboo huts and gravel-lined tracks will also be made as part of the project, according to the tender.
