New 10-Year Plan Aims to Enhance Delhi's Forest Ecosystem

Q: How many fruit-bearing trees will be planted annually?

The plan suggests planting at least **5,000** fruit-bearing trees each year in the north and central divisions, with higher numbers in other divisions.

Original: 10-yr-plan suggests multilayered approach for Delhi forests

Hindustan Times•Apr 3, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun has proposed a comprehensive 10-year plan for Delhi's forests, focusing on habitat connectivity, wildlife protection, and community engagement. Key initiatives include creating 'hanging' forests, planting fruit-bearing trees, and establishing rescue centers to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Key Points

01The plan emphasizes creating 'hanging' forests to connect fragmented habitats.
02It aims to plant at least 5,000 fruit-bearing trees annually in various forest divisions.
03Community participation is crucial for reducing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with monkeys and nilgai.
04Regular biodiversity monitoring and population assessments are integral to the plan.
05The initiative will begin implementation in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

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Full Summary

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun has developed a 10-year working plan for the forests of Delhi, set to commence in 2026-27. This plan addresses significant challenges such as habitat fragmentation and limited food sources for wildlife. Key proposals include the creation of 'hanging' forests—overhead bridges linking separated forest patches—along with underpasses for safe wildlife movement. The plan also advocates for the systematic planting of 5,000 to 10,000 fruit-bearing trees annually across various forest divisions to support wildlife. With 1,560 animals rescued between 2022 and 2024, the plan aims to enhance rescue operations and community participation to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, especially concerning monkeys and nilgai. Additionally, it emphasizes habitat improvement through the establishment of waterholes and biodiversity monitoring to ensure the health of the ecosystem.

Key Figures

1,560

Animals rescued between 2022 and 2024

5,000

Minimum number of fruit-bearing trees to be planted annually in certain divisions

10,000

Number of fruit-bearing trees to be planted annually in the south forest division

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Why It Matters

This initiative aims to improve wildlife habitats and reduce conflicts, benefiting both wildlife and local communities in Delhi.

Who is affected

Residents of Delhi, wildlife enthusiasts, and local wildlife populations.

What to know

Community members should engage in awareness campaigns and support local conservation efforts.

FAQ

'Hanging' forests are overhead bridges designed to connect fragmented forest patches, allowing wildlife to move freely between them.

The plan suggests planting at least 5,000 fruit-bearing trees each year in the north and central divisions, with higher numbers in other divisions.

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