The Delhi government will develop 3 and 7 forests in Capital

New Delhi: The forest department will introduce eco-friendly facilities in seven urban forests in Delhi, with nature trails, cycle paths and open viewing platforms for bird watching. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable urban environments, officials revealed Monday.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced last week that these upgrades are in line with the government’s summer action plan to reduce air pollution. The improvements include walking and cycling paths made from environmentally friendly materials such as murrum, a laterite-based soil. In addition, watchtowers and birdwatching decks will be installed, along with open interpretation centers.

The seven urban forests selected for this redevelopment are Alipur, Mukhmelpur, Qutubgarh and Mamurpur in the Northern Forest Division; Hauz Rani in the Southern Forest Division; Mitraon in Western Forest Division; and the area around Shastri Park Metro Station in the Central Forest Division.

“These new plans will provide visitors with environmentally friendly walking and cycling trails. We will also introduce tree canopy walks so that visitors can experience the forest from tree top level,” said a forest official.

Currently, Delhi has 20 urban forests covering an area of ​​549.64 hectares. The forest department also plans to develop three new urban forests at Garhi Mandu (east Delhi), Lal Kuan (southeast Delhi) and Ujwa (southwest Delhi).

Minister Rai emphasized the importance of these projects in combating heat waves and air pollution, and emphasized the role of large-scale plantation activities. The forest department aims to increase urban greenery, which serves as the lungs of the city, by sequestering carbon and improving groundwater levels.

In accordance with the Indian Forest Act, 1927, all materials used for these developments will be semi-permanent and environmentally friendly, with permanent installations or construction prohibited.

The initiative also includes solid waste management measures to prevent littering and a strict ban on the use of plastic in forests.

“These urban forests will not only provide recreational space for residents but also play a crucial role in preserving the environment,” the forest official added. This eco-friendly overhaul aims to make Delhi’s urban forests more accessible and enjoyable while strengthening their role in improving urban air quality and biodiversity.