On May 9, 2023, the Delhi government granted Reserved Forest status to 673.32 hectares of the Central Ridge area, a move aimed at bolstering environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control in the national capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that this decision marks a significant step in safeguarding Delhi’s ecologically sensitive Ridge areas, often referred to as the city's 'green lungs.' The notification, issued under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, provides stronger legal protections to prevent encroachments and illegal activities in the area. The Ridge, part of the ancient Aravalli hill system, is crucial for improving air quality and mitigating urban pollution. This latest designation adds to the 4,080.82 hectares of the Southern Ridge declared as Reserved Forest on October 24, 2022, bringing the total Reserved Forest area in Delhi to 4,754.14 hectares. The government also plans extensive plantation of native tree species across the Ridge to further enhance its ecological value.