Steps Taken

  • In 1948 the southern and central ridge declared as reserved forest under the Indian forests act, 1927
  • In 1986 Lt. Governor declared 1880 ha I the southern ridge as Asola Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • In 1991 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD-2001) and NCR plan also emphasized that ridge forest and sanctuaries should be conserved with utmost care and should be afforested with indigenous species with minimum of artificial landsape.
  • In 1991, 840 ha of Bhatti mine area brought under the Asola sanctuary. The Department of Forest is implementing the Project of rehabilitation of Bhatti Mines area since Oct. 2000, which is a part of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • In 1991-92, decision was taken by secretaries of Government of India were that a) forest deptt to mark the boundaries b) illegal allotment on authorized land to be demolished c) removal of encroachments d) ridge to go to Delhi administration for maintenance.
  • In 1992 Lt. Governor issues notification regarding transfer of major chunk of ridge except southern portion to DDA for management.
  • In 1993 ridge committees appointed by Lt Governor which submitted its report suggesting pattern to be adopted by authorities. Lovraj Kumar Committee recognized that the Government long had made many allotments years ago, and that the notifications issued on October 25, 1980 under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 could be a valid watershed in this matter. All valid allotments made prior to October 25, 1980 could be exempted from evictions, but all occupations made thereafter must be considered illegal, even where it is by, or with the permission of the Government agency.
  • In 1994, Center for environmental Law filed a petition in High Court seeking transfer of Ridge back with Forest Department. Lt. Governor of Delhi declares the entire ridge on the basis of present day boundaries as reserve forest under section 4 of the Indian forests act 1927 as per recommendations of the committee report.
  • In 2002, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgement ordered banning of mining in the 250 km aravalli mountain range including the 5 km stretch from Delhi border into Gurgaon so as to check irreversible environmental damage especially in the part that has been regarded as forest area under the Environment Protection Act.