On Saturday, the Delhi government officially declared 673.32 hectares of the central Ridge as a reserved forest, ensuring environmental protection for over 75% of this vital green area. The Ridge, which spans a total of 864 hectares, is recognized as the 'green lungs' of the national capital, playing a crucial role in enhancing air quality, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts. This declaration follows a long-standing Supreme Court directive from November 2025, which criticized the government for a 30-year delay in formally notifying the Ridge. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that this initiative marks the completion of a process pending since the initial notification in 1994. The area is now safeguarded against encroachments and illegal activities, enhancing conservation efforts. The Delhi government plans to expand this initiative to other Ridge areas and undertake large-scale plantation of native tree species to bolster ecological balance.