CASE STUDY: DEVELOPING URBAN GREEN BELTS
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Urban green belts arc considered the lungs of the cities.
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They act as a sink for some of the harmful gases released by vehicles and industries operating in the city area.
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These belts also prevent soil erosion and improve the micro-climate.
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The Delhi ridge forests are considered the lungs of the capital, the main areas being the central or the new ridge, and the Northern or the Old Delhi.
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Earlier, there were only Kikar (Acacia) trees growing sparsely among the hard rocks.
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According to the municipal records after 1857, the British ordered the planting of thousands of Neem and Babul trees.
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By the time India attained independence; this area was covered with diverse vegetation of plants and trees.
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However, the ridge is under severe threat as it is being gradually destroyed over the years, mainly due to increasing human activities.
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Most of the animals of this area have 'vanished'. Yet even today it is a bird watcher's paradise.
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There are at least 200 species of birds that have been sighted in the ridge.
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There are many organizations working for the preservation of this green belt and are trying to restore it to its past glory.
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These organizations involve citizens to participate in tree-planting programmes, greening of colonies, discourage use of plastic bags, stop felling of trees, etc.
