Delhi approves notification of 1,000 acres of the Southern Ridge as reserved forest, taking the protected Ridge to about 13,000 acres

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Delhi approves notification of 1,000 acres of the Southern Ridge as reserved forest, taking the protected Ridge to about 13,000 acres

19 September 2026

The Delhi government has approved the notification of about 1,000 acres in the Southern Ridge as reserved forest.
The notification is issued under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
With this, the total notified Ridge area in Delhi rises to about 13,000 acres.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision, which is intended to give statutory protection to the Ridge and strengthen the capital's green cover.
Ecological restoration under the Ridge Working Plan is to accompany the notification, with an emphasis on native species and the management of invasive species.
The Delhi Ridge Management Board, constituted in 2026, oversees conservation and restoration of the Ridge.

Area notified: about 1,000 acres Total notified Ridge area: about 13,000 acres Legal provision: Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927

Why it matters for exams: Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the difference between reserved and protected forests are standard environment questions.

Kerala PSCUPSC

19 September 2026 Source: The Tribune

In plain words

Reserved forest Reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 — Forest land notified by the state in which all activities are prohibited unless specifically permitted.