J

810-RESOURCES

7.1 Importance ofBio-resource Management The bio-resources or ecological resources often termed as biodiversity is

defined as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a region (WRI-IUCN­

UNEP, 1992). The wealth of life on the earth is the product of hundreds of millions

of years of evolutionary history. During this process, speciation and extinction are

two biological processes that have always gone hand in hand. What is worrisome

however, is the accelerated rate at which extinction of species has occurred in

recent times. This is primarily because of large-scale exploitation of natural

resources and conversion/degradation of landscapes by humans in recent times.

J'he ever-increasing loss of this biological wealth has posed serious threat to the

very existence of humankind. Our dream of sustainable planet can only be attained

if we protect the structure function and. diversity of the world's natural system on

which man and other species depend. Rio-resources or ecological resources are

generally divided into two broad categories: plant resources and animal resources.

Green Plants occupy very important place in the ecosystem because of its higher

biomass and its capability to convert solar energy into food energy, thus serving as

a basis of energy flow in an ecosystem. Apart from meeting the basic needs of

food, shelter and health, biodiversity has contributed in a variety of ways to

conserve and enhance human utilisation. Unwise and over exploitation of bio­

resources and destruction of natural habitats lead to environmental degradation,

which ultimately lead to destabilisation of natural ecosystem. It is, therefore,

necessary to pay more attention towards the preservation, conservation and

management of bio-resources as to maintain ecological balance and ecosystem

equilibrium in order to ensure the survival of humanity.

Recently more interests are being shown m the preservation and

management of ecological resources because of their intrinsic value, aesthetic

value, social benefits, scientific value, recreational and educational significance

and overall environmental value. Management of bio-resources includes all the

three aspects: survey evaluation and preservation as well as conservation. Survey

of bio-resources is the collection of more database using field survey methods and

remote sensing techniques. On the other hand evaluation of bio- resources is

mainly concerned with the value judgement of habitats and species of plants and

animals of a particular habitat. Quite often, people use the terms preservation and

conservation as synonyms but both the terms differ significantly in their meaning

In ecological context preservation means upkeep of rare and endangered species of

plants and animals in specially protected areas so that their populations may

increase to optimum level. No use of such resources is permitted. On the other

hand conservation is a process which aims at proper use and its management in

such a way that they are always available for judicious use by humans as well as

ecological balance is maintained.

7.2 Role , of Remote Sensing and GIS in Rio-resource evaluation.

Satellite data have been found useful in providing spectral and spatial

information pertaining to forest due to its synoptic coverage and periodicity.

Satellite data have made a big difference in the formulation and implementation of

national forest policy. While satellite data provide the status of forests in a cost­

effective way, the Geographic Information System (GIS) enables planners to

process the data in terms of the people's need as well as physical realities.

Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are expected to be a valuable tool in

the study of biodiversity. The techniques can be used to examine the species

habitat relationship, which can be used to evaluate biological diversity. Species­

habitat relationships are suitably ratings assigned by biologists to each habitat

class, either as a binary (suitable, unsuitable), ordinal (High, Medium, Low) or

ratio (index scoring) value. Each species distribution can thus be mapped by

mapping environmental factors. Richness of species can then be inferred from the

models developed in such a way.

GIS modeling can be successfully used for mapping and monitoring

species richness at local and regional scale based on vegetation cover (derived

from Remote Sensing) and other habitat factors (obtained from existing maps like

SOl toposheets or field studies). Comparison of bitemporal data : NDVI, PCs etc.

results, is one of the most widely used methods for obtaining information on

temporal vegetation changes. This needs following conditions to be fulfilled: (i)

Classification scheme for both the dates should be exactly same. (ii) Identical

126

classification algorithm should be employed for both the data sets. (iii) Level of

generalization in both the classifications should be identical.

7.3 Evaluation of Plant Biodiversity of Delhi Delhites today would react with surprise and disbelief it they would be

told that urban Delhi was once forested and inhabited by a variety of wildlife. The

biotic and abiotic factors, governing the type of vegetation in Delhi are rather

adverse. The area is characterized by long periods of water deficit coupled with

high temperature. These characteristics give the region a semi-arid climate.

The flora of Delhi comprises nearly 1,000 species of flowering plants

belonging to some 120 families (Khot, 1986). Sixty per cent of the species are

either indigenous or naturalised and the remaining introduced. There is no

endemic. More than 50 per cent of the indigenous flora represents the tropical

species. Nearly eight per cent is from tropical Africa less than 50 per cent from the

New World, and two per cent from-the temperate region. (Khot, 1986). Rapid pace

of urbanisation is responsibl~Jor the loss of biodiversity in this city. Presently the

only natural terrestrial ecosystem of Delhi is the Ridge while aquatic ecosystems

are Yamuna River, Najafgarh drain, Bhalaswa lake etc. Various limitations

regarding remote sensing data viz. unavailability of bitemporal multispectral data

and use of such imagery in the study when leaf fall used to be in full swing have

seriously affected the evaluation of plant biodiversity in the present study. In spite

of that an attempt has been made in the present study to map the vegetation of the

area based on satellite data and the field study. Plate 7.1 shows the Vegetation

Map of Delhi. Evaluation of plant biodiversity in Delhi can be performed under

three categories: Delhi ridge, open space and Yamuna river system.

7.3.1 Plant Biodiversity of Delhi Ridge: A Community Structure and

Biotic Pressure

Delhi Ridge is defined as rocky out-crop of Aravalli ranges stretching

from Delhi University in the north to south of the NCT boundary and beyond

(MPD 200 1 ). It is actually such extension of the Aravalli hills that enters Gurgaon

127

from south and sprawl towards Delhi in the form of tableland, some five kilometers

across. Antique map (Plate 7.2) shows that the Delhi ridge was a continuous

stretch but rapid urban sprawl has demolished some of its parts. Now it exists in

four pockets with total area of about 7782 ha. Table 7.1 gives its all the sub

division with areas.

The Delhi Ridge and its neighbouring hilly tracts represent the

characteristic natural flora of the state, which is a tropical thorny secondary forest

commonly known as arid open scrub forest (Maheshwari 1963). Such forests are

widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid zones of the earth where the total

annual rainfall ranges from 50-100 em. In the present study dominant species of

the Ridge have been identified by making 10 metre x 10 metre quadrants and the

result is shown in Table 7.2. Thus the bulk of vegetation of the Ridge consists of

co-dominant spinous shrubs and trees capable of great drought resistance.

The tress comprising the perennial vegetation of the ridge are both

indigenous as well as introduced. The chief indigenous species are Acacia,

leucophloea, A. modesta, A senegal, A arabica, A catechu, Butea monosperma,

Anogeissus pendula, Cordia dichotoma, C. rothii, Tecomela undulata, Zizyphus

mauritiana etc. (Maheshwari, 1963). The most important exotic species of the

ridge is Prosopis juliflora, native of the arid regions of Mexico and Central

America introduced in 1877. Other successfully introduced tress are Azadirachta

indica, Feronia limonia, Dalbergia sissoo, Casia fistula, Albizzia lebbeck,

Prosopis glandulosa etc. (Maheshwari, 1963). The thorny shrubs occur in widely

spaced clumps supporting a number of twiners and climbers. Of these Capparis

sepiaria is very common and abundant., growing alone or associated with Grewia

tenax, Securinega lucophyrus, Carissa spinarum, Flacourtia indica etc.

A marked change is induced by the monsoon when the ridge wears a new

clock of green and the whole ground becomes carpeted with a variety of herbs

which cover the surface with a vivid green. These plants complete their life history

in three to four months after the rains. They help in increasing the humus content

of the soil and extending the vegetation to barren areas. In areas where the soil

consists of gravel or a thin superficial mantle of soil over the rock, Oropetium

128

thomaeum forms a dense tufted growth, in association with Riccia sp. and moss.

All these form a pioneer plant community on the parent rock. As the soil dries up,

Riccia sp. dies leaving black patches after which this grass is seen in a fruiting

condition either alone or associated with Cyperus triceps, Melanocenchris

jacquemonti etc.

Out of four existing pockets of Delhi Ridge only two i.e. Northern Ridge

and Central Ridge have substantial vegetal cover. Even here, most of the green

areas have been transformed from natural and semi-wild scrub land into artificial

landscape gardens which is not suitable for ecosystem stability. Western portion of

the Northern Ridge is under severe biotic pressure while eastern flank is

comparatively less disturbed. Some portion of the Central Ridge have good forest

cover (with crown density >40%). Besides it has the only surving native floral

elements like Diospyros montana, Cardia dichotom, Cardia rothii, Ehretia laevis,

Grewia tenax, Capparis sepiavia etc. The habitat destruction in the Central Ridge

has been mainly due to government establishments.

The South Central Ridge has also been more or less completely denuded

due to incessant quarrying and construction work. The main green belts, which

have survived within this human onslaught, are the still thickly forested. 'San jay

Van' behind Qutub hotel and certain green patches adjacent to Ayanagar and

Rajokri. Southern ridge is also suffering from severe degree of degradation.

Quartzite mining is taking place in the Haryana part of the ridge, while it has now

stopped in Delhi. The Southern Ridge is also occupied by some colonies like DLF,

Qutub enclave, Ansal Sushant Lok, Palam Vihar, Garden Estate City etc. North

eastern portion of the southern ridge has been declared as Asola-Bhati Wildlife

Sanctuary.

In the arid and semi-arid regions, soil moisture is the main limiting factor

for plant growth (Champion and Seth, 1968). Such regions do not favour luxuriant

vegetation and thus are more susceptible to biotic influences. Grazing and fire

tends to compact and harden the soil, make it less absorptive of moisture and

finally more liable to erosion. Grazing and fire results in slow regeneration and

growth of dicot species, which finally results in a marked reduction in the number

129

of species (Aggarwala, 1985; Daubenmire, 1968; Ramakrishnan and Ram, 1988).

Depending on the mode of degradation, fire or grazing, the vegetation shows two

types of deterioration. One towards the Savanna type where fires are important,

stimulating grass growth. On the other hand, the heavy browsing leads to a scrub

and thicket type of degradation wherein the palatable species disappear leaving

behind thorny elements (Purl et al., 1983). Different animals show different kinds

of grazing behaviours. For example goats and sheep graze upon the vegetation and

thus remove it right upto the ground level which leads to complete loss of vegetal

cover and is catastrophic, while cows browse upon the vegetation, the camels feed

upon the tree top vegetation and are less deleterious than sheep and goats.

Depending upon the intensity and variety of factors, different stages of

degradation of natural vegetation are seen. Often such degraded lands are

immediately invaded by the exotic weedy sp~cies or efforts are made to restore by

using alien species. In Delhi growing urbanization has led to almost complete

destruction of the ranges and only a couple of areas have been protected. The

southern part of these ranges is highly degraded due to intensive and extensive

quarrying. The rapid regrowth of vegetation in Delhi ridge is prevented by

excessive grazing and fires, the result is a progressive deterioration in the character

of vegetation. This is also accompanied by drier conditions of environment,

ecological retrogression and sometimes culminates in almost complete sterility of

land (Aggarwala, 1985).

The protected area of the ridge is comparatively less degraded and it only

bears the near natural flora of the state, which is an arid open scrub forest. This

may be due to comparatively well developed nutrient rich soil. As the site is

protected and has less of biotic influences the area also has comparatively higher

regeneration. Shankar (1983) concluded that protection of degraded vegetation

through enclosure on the desertic habitats invariably led to improvement of the

grass cover as well as the regeneration of the shrubs. While in the degraded area

the species composition has changed and a mixed flora made up of weeds and

weedy plants are noted. This characteristic ruderal flora occurs in open places,

where the soil is disturbed (Maheshwari, 1963). Grasses form the dominant

vegetation at most of the degraded sites.

130

The possible reasons for the predominance of grasses may be fire, cutting

and grazing. as frre may contribute in a shift to community structure from

perennials to annual (Hopkins et al., 1948; Reynold and Bonning, 1956; West,

1965; Daubenrnire, 1968) and from dicot species to grasses (Cook, 1939;

Humburg, 1958; Sharrow and Wright, 1977; Scott, 1971). The possible reason for

the presence of perennial species (such as Saccharum spontaneum) in infertile soils

is because of the well developed underground rhizomes that help in regeneration

after perturbation. Cutting of grass could possibly be another reason. Dabadghao

and Shankarnarayan ( 1973) pointed out that Saccharum spontaneum predominates

under the influence of burning and cutting. Like fire, grazing also favours the

growth of grasses and impedes the regeneration of both native and exotic species.

7 .3.2 Plant Biodiversity of Open Spaces

Green areas, be they parks, forests or gardens, have immense value in

enhancing the city's physical environment in several important ways. Vegetation

cleans the air and along with water resources acts as a moderator of climate. The

hectic lifestyle of urban dwellers finds a break in the green areas of the city. From

large public parks such as Nehru Park or Lodi Gardens to small community parks

in low-income neighbourhood, green spaces provide opportunities for both passive

and active recreation. They serve as a common meeting ground for people from all

walks of life. Parks in the city are extensively used playing grounds for children,

weddings, religious discourses, and public meetings also provide a location for

quiet contemplation. The city's forests offer excellent natural conditions for nature

lovers to study the environment at close quarters. Green zones are the key

components to the well being of Delhi.

The network of green areas in the city follows (though not strictly) a

planned hierarchy of open spaces, as in the Master Plan. There are open spaces in

the neighborhood, adjoining shopping areas, community halls where people

assemble. These in tum are linked to active recreation areas such as children's

parks and cricket fields.

131

The parks and gardens laid out in the city have designs according to their

location and topography. Parks developed around historical monuments normally

are flat and even terrain. Examples include Roshanara Garden and the gardens

around Humayun's tomb and Safdarjung tomb. Similarly, green spaces around the

Tughlaqabad fort ruins and in the Mehrauli area have incorporated the existing

undulating topography. The lay out of the various gardens reflects use of both

modern and traditional styles. Typical examples of modem landscaped parks are

Nehru Park an Buddha Jayanti, wherein forms such as slopes and mounds have

been added to the naturally existing topography. In contrast there are the parks of

Old Delhi which have retained the formality of the Mughal style. These are laid out

on flat land, geometric, with provision of water channels, fountains and garden

shelters or boarders in the centre of the park. The multitude of plant species that is

responsible for Delhi's greenery is combination of both indigenous and exotic

species. The gardens, parks, avenues, and traffic roundabouts present an array of

ornamental and shade-giving plants. Tree species commonly planted along major

roads and avenues are Azadirachta indica (neem), Cassia fistula (amaltas),

Eugenia jambolana Gamun), Ficus religiosa (peepal), Terminalia arjuna (arjun),

Dalbergia sissoo (gulmohur) and Kigelia pinnata (sausage tree). The name of

dominant tree species in various sampling sites is given in Table 7.3.

The major avenues of New Delhi such as Rajpath, Moti Lal Nehru Marg

and Shanti Path are lined with old and mature jamun trees. Commercial areas have

sturdy and hardy species such as neem, peepal, jamun and devil's tree. Among the

city's residential areas, the ones in south Delhi are amply dotted with trees and

shrubs. Apart from these variety of flowering plants that can be seen in private

gardens, trees commonly grown are Bauhinia purpurea ( cachnar) Erythrina indica

(Indian coral tree), Albizzia lebbeck (siris), Morus alba (shatoot), Jacaranda

imosfoli (Jacaranda) and Salmalia malabarica (silk cotton).

7.3.3 Plant Biodiversity of Yamuna Wetland

Wetlands are generally characterized by shallow water depths abundance

of aquatic vegetation and organically enriched sediments. They include a wide

variety of habitats such as ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, coastallogoons, riverine

132

floodplains and human managed areas like paddy fields (Bandyopadhyay, 1994 ).

The wetland is located to 28° 46'N and 77° 13' E to 77° 22' E on the eastern

outskirts of Delhi. The site has an area of 20,000 ha (35/kms stretch of Yamuna

river starting from 10 km north to 10 kms south of the city). The area is largely

contained within bounded embankments.

The chief vegetation of the area consists of large areas of water hyacinth

(Eichhornia crassipes) particularly near the barrages and reed-beds with species of

Typha and Phraymites, chiefly around the islands in the river. As the city of Delhi

continues to expand, new urban and industrial developments and an intensification

of current landuse with continue to erode the few remaining areas of semi natural

marsh.

7.4 Evaluation of Macro Faunal Elements of Delhi

The Gazetteer of Delhi, 1983-84, gives an account of the animals once

found. "Foxes and hare, pigs along the banks of the Yamuna, black buck almost

everywhere, chinkara abound in the range of hills which run north-east of Delhi

and are usually found in the neighbourhood of the old cantonment (present Delhi

University Campus). Jackals abound, peafowl are plentiful, nilgai (blue bull), hog

deer are found near the villages Burari and Khadipur, leopards in the outlying

villages around Tughlaqubad. The entire river is infested with muggers and gharial

predominates but the snub-nosed man-eater is also plentiful. Within the past five

years rewards to the amount of Rs 98 have been given for the destruction on 10

leopards, 367 wolves, 1128 snakes." But in the pace of rapid urbanisation,

immigration and spread of human habitation and industries during the last five

decades, Delhi has witnessed a substantial loss of wild habitat. The faunal elements

of Delhi are largely of Oriental type. Various phyla and classes ranging from

Protozoa to Mammalia show their presence in Delhi.

Among the wild ungulates that ware native to Delhi and surrounding

areas, only the nilgai (blue bull) has managed to survive and continues to be

distributed in semi-wild conditions in fragments of its original range. Besides

133

nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), jackal (Canis aureus)), small Indian civet

(Vivvericula indica), ruddg mangoose (Hrpestes smithl) and Rufoustailed hare

(Lepus nigricollis) can also be seen in rather density forested area. But to see them

a great degree of patience is needed.

Habitat destruction has not affected the avi-fauna of Delhi as badly as it

has the mammals. Several species of birds have some how managed to survive the

onslaught of rapid urbanisation. They have developed a palate for the contents of

garbage dumps, which abound in Delhi. Another reason for the survival of birds is

the protection they are accorded under the law, which prohibits shooting in the

ridge forest and along the Yamuna. In the past more than 350 species of birds were

spotted in Delhi but their number has now dwindled to about 200 and threatens to

decline ever further (Salim Ali, 1983, Kalpavriksh, 1991).

A large number of birds seen in the Delhi are migratory. The Yamuna

river, marshy lands, the rocky terrain of the ridge and the parks provide excellent

sites fore nests. Winter visitors include ducks--pintails, shovellers, common teal,

garganey, leaf warblers, wrynecks, wagtails, harriens and stone chats. Wanderens

such as red shanks, sandpipers and stints can be seen at the onset of the monsoon.

Delhi's summer migrants include the koel, piedcrested, cuckoo and golden oriole.

The flocks of migratory ducks and waders seen at the water bodies are much

smaller today because several of their wetland habitats have been reclaimed over

the years. Only the Delhi zoo provides a safe retreat for several migratory birds

especially migratory ducks.

While one can see birds throughout the year in all green areas, there are

certain areas favoured by the bird--watching community. Lodi Garden, the ridge,

Tughlaqabad, the Yam una waterfront near Raj ghat, Hauz Khas city forest and JNU

campus are some of these areas. Despite progressive urbanisation, the green lungs

of the city provide a shelter for the birds. The Delhi ridge still provides natural

food for many species of birds. The fruits and berries of Cappari, Zizyphus,

Salvadora, Crataeva, and fruits of roadside and green trees such as Ficus species,

Jamun, Neem, Grevilles, Evythnina, Salmalia, Butea sustain hundreds of birds. The

rocky wastelands with their sparse vegetation attract seed eaters.

134

7.5 Strategies for Management of Biodiversity in Delhi There is an inseparable link between conservation and development.

While conservation of biodiversity is fundamental to the success of the

development process, development has to be both people oriented and conservation

based. Hence linking ecological and social processes is crucial for appreciating the

relationship between biodeversity and ecosystem function and to utilise this

relationship for human welfare through sustainable management of resources.

Such linkages could be at two levels: at the process level or at the

ecosystem/landscape level (Ramakrishnan, 1996).

7.5.1 Conservation of Delhi Ridge

Conservation of major natural features in a settlement is of utmost

important to sustain the natural ecosystem (MPD 2001 }. Aravalli, one of the most

degraded hill systems of the country has not been considered fit for inclusion in the

national programme for hill area development so far. Here the area and its people

have suffered the most and the resources of the region have been exploited so

much that now only the scanty forest cover exists. Conservation of biodiversity in

Delhi has assumed a great urgency because of the actual and threatened extinction

of many species of plants and animals and disappearance of habitates. For every

species that vanishes, countless population of unique gene pools is also lost. The

loss of every gene or species limits our options for the future (WRI-IUCN­

UNEP,1992).

Considering the adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and

natural significance of ridge to Delites, its restoration is of paramount importance.

The ridge can act as a barrier to keep out the sands of Rajasthan and also, to some

extent, hot winds from the plains to the north. With its vegetation, the ridge can act

as thermoregulator by creating its own· evapotranspiration regime. The vegetation

of the ridge can act as a carbon dioxide and other pollutant sink, which is essential

for maintaining the quality of life in a sprawling city like Delhi. It has also the

ability to absorb noise and plays an important role as an effective noise buffer.

Thus the importance of the ridge and its v~ry presence in the midst of the ever-

135

growing city of Delhi is unquestionable as it forms the green lung of the

metropolis.

After the NGOs opposition to the transfer of the ridge to the DDA, the

Lieutenant Governor through its notification no. F.2 (11)/DCF/1990-1991 (dated

April 24, 1993}, appointed an 11 member committee comprising of government

and NGO representatives under the chairmanship of Lovraj Kumar to look into the

problems relating to its management. The committee concluded as: "despite the

clear intent for the last 80 years to conserve the ridge, there has been no systematic

effort to formulate and implement concerted legal administrative managerial and

scientific measure to achieve its objective." (Lovraj Committee Report, 1993).

Hence a systematic action plan is needed for the development of Delhi ridge. The

Lovraj Committee has also recommended to set up a Ridge Management

Supervisory Committee to consider all matters relating to landuse, legal status and

environmental conservation of the ridge and the government should take decisions

on these issues after obtaining the advice of this committee.

The most important development in connection with Delhi ridge is the

declaration of the entire area as a reserved forest. The Lieutenant Governor had

issued this notification under the Indian Forest Act on May 24, 1994. Though

different stretches of the ridge were notified as reserve forests on many occasions

but this was the first time that the entire ridge has been declared as reserved forest.

But the future of Delhi ridge is still not clear.

The conservation, preservation and restoration of the ecosystem in the

ridge and its protection is different to the management of wholly man-made forests

or landscaped parks. The ridge should be conserved with utmost care. Our attempts

should be to initiate ecological restorative processes in such a way that dynamic

climax community is attained in a shortest spell of time. The main emphasis should

be given for developing a dense forest by afforestation of native species like

Anogcissus pendula, Boswellice serrata, Dispyros cordifolia, Dichrostachys

cinerea etc. Choice of native species for afforestation should based on the

physiographic conditions of the soil. For example in rocky areas Acacia senegal,

Butea monosperma, Zizyphus spp etc. should be planted. Medicinally important

136

species like Avewhoea carambola, Commiphora mukul, Emblica officina/is,

Terminalia bellirica etc. should also be planted wherever adiquate soil cover is

available on the ridge.

The degradation of the ridge arising from large scale physical excavation

and clear felling of vegetation has left large parts of the ridge with little soil to

enable adequate growth of plants. At degraded sites the soil is highly leached and

nutrient deficient. With depletion in humus and with increased insolation on the

soil surface physical characteristics of the soil are also altered and at the same time

microclimate also gets changed. The grasses generally have upper-hand over other

non-grass species. Grasses are the early colonisers in the degraded areas. Soil

fertility may also contribute to the shift from perennials to annual ( Ram and

Ramakrishnan, 1988). A shift from dicots to monocots particularly to grasses may

be advantageous after perturbation because of the better capability of c4 grasses to

survive more effectively under severe stress. A high efficiency of nutrient use

could be an important adaptation to nutrient stress (Gumdon, 1972; White, 1972).

The C3 species with large utilization of nutrients for a given dry matter production

are suited to occupy nutrient rich microsites, while the C4 species with higher

efficiency of utilization of nutrients can successfully colonize nutrient poor

microsites. Hence C4 species should be promoted at degraded sites. In recent

years association of micro-organisms with elite plants also proving beneficial for

restoration of degraded lands. Hence association of micro-organisms with elite

plants should be ensured. Though the entire Ridge has been declared a reserve

forest, tree felling and lopping is still taking place. Grazing of cattle is also posing

serious threat to the conservation efforts. Hence immediate attention is needed to

be paid to this serious cause of habitat degradation.

No afforestation scheme can be successful unless it is protected from

people interference. The protection can only be successful when people's

participation in this great job is ensured. The Lovraj Committee has also mentioned

that the protection of the ridge by enclosing its area with boundary walls is not

only very capital intensive but also not secure for long without continuous repair of

portions that are damaged by intruders. Physical fencing has to be reinforced by

live fencing (thorny shrubs and bushes that repel cattle and also prevent easy

137

engress) and also by social fencing which can be achieved only with the active

cooperation ofNGOs, citizen groups and public (Lovraj Committee Report 1993).

7 .5.2 Species Suitability in Green belt/Green buffer

To arrest undesirable growth, of city and to ensure orderly compact urban

development a control belt is proposed all around the expected development area

known as green belt. Besides a width of hundred metros on either sides along other

major roads should be kept as green buffer to mitigate the air pollution. Selection

of species in such areas should be based on indigenous trees with large shady

crowns preferable with attractive blossoms or fruit and pollution mitigating

capabilities. Some of the species suitable for plantation in such areas are shown in

Table 7.4

138

... .., -

.... -

... 1011.

a"wN

:zo':zooN

VEGETATION MAP OF DELHI (STATUS AS IN MAY 1995)

-N •

f , • •

..

' .....

I J • ... 4' .

*"

LEGEND

• Dense

• Medium

• Low Other Vegetated Area

~ Very Low

.,...,. f.· on lrr· .... .,. .... Based on IRS LISS II Geocoded FCC P 29 R 47 & 48 (DOP 6.5.95) with limited field checks

PLATE7.1

.. -

. ZCI'E

ANTIQUE MAP OF DELHI ( 1807)

_,usaree

A.Teehar

.Oadree E aluthor 41Nungal

LEGEND --• =

Delhi Ridge

Water Bodies Localties Streem

Roads

SOURCE: SURVEY OF INDIA PLATE 7.2

0 1 2

I E I -

N

f

.,atparganj

Table 7.1 Sub-division of Delhi Ridge

SN SUB-DIVISION RANGE ~A _ill~ 1 Northern Ridge or Old Delhi Between Civil lines and 87

Ridge Delhi Univers!!Y_ 2 ~entral or New Delhi Ridge Between Karol Bagh and 869

DhaulaKuon 3 South Central Ridge Mehrauli-JNU-Mah~al]!_ur 626 4 Southern Ridge Outside city limits upto Gurgaon 6200

rrotal 7782

Table7 .2 Dominant Species of Delhi Ridge

SL. SUB-DIVISION OF RIDGE NAME OF THE DOMINANT SPECIES ~0.

1 Northern Ridge or Old Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Delhi Ridge Albizzia lebbeck, Casia fistula,

Ergthrina variegata, Cariesa spinarum, Secuinega varosa, Zizyphus nummularia, Grewia tenax

2 Central Ridge or New Delhi Prosopis juliffora, Acacia nilotica, Ridge Butea monosperma, Acacia levcopwoea,

Casia fistula, Diospyros cordifolice, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia siesoo, Ehretia laevia

3 South Central Ridge Cariesa spinarum, Lantana indica, Zizyphus nummularia, Prosopis juliflora, Leptadaenia reticulata, Ricinus communis, Securinega virosa

4 Southern Ridge Prosopis juliflora, Acacia spp, Zizyphus spp, Butea monosperma, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Calotropis procera , Achyranthes as....Q_era

Based on 10 m X 10 m Quadrants

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Table7 .3 Dominant Species at Some Selected Sites

SR. NAME OF THE COMMON BOTANICAL NAME ~0. SAMPLING SITE NAME

1 Cannaught Place Kikar I,Prosopis spp. Jamun Eugenia jambolana Kaner Neriumspp.

2 Punjabi Bagh Amaltas Cassia fistula Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Papri Pongamia pinnata Neem ~adirachta indica

3 Purana Qila Kikar Prosopis spp Bamboo Bambusa spp. Bottle brush Callistemon lanceolatus Peepal Ficus religiosa

4 Greater Kailash Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Kikar Prosopis spp Pe9>al Ficus reljgiosa

5 Mori Gate Park Peepal IFicus religiosa Jamun !Eugenia jambolana Palm Roystonea spp. Ashok Poly_althia lon_gif!Jlia

6 K. S. Krishnan Marg, Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Pus a Acacia !Acacia spp.

7 Lodi Garden Kikar Prosopis spp. Acacia !Acacia spp. Bamboo ~ambusa SPJ!.

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Table 7.4 Suitable Species for Plantation in Green Belt I Green Buffer

SL BOT ANI CAL NAME HINDI REMARKS NO. NAME

1 ~adirachta indica Neem dust collection 2 Casia fistula Amaltas dust collection 3 Tamarindus indica Imli dust collection 4 Buhinia purpuria Kachnar dust collection 5 Mangifera indica A am dust collection 6 Solanum melongena Baigan S02 removal 7 Cyamopses S02 removal

tetragonoloba 8 INerium indicum Kaner S02 removal 9 Alstonia scholaris Chatwan S02 removal 10 Ficus religiosa Pi pal S02 removal 11 Syzygium cuminii Jamun 12 Terminalia arjuna Arjuna S02 removal 13 Albizzia lebbeck Siris S02 removal 14 Delonix regia 15 Ficus bengalensis Bargad 16 Grevillea robusta Brandis 17 Melia azedirach Bakain 18 Terminalia bellirica 19 Cassia siamea Cassia lead removal 20 Zizyphus mauritiana Ber lead removal 21 Ficus glomerata Gular 22 Acacia catechu Khair 23 Dalbergia sissoo Sisham

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