Delhi Forest dept to plant 1.5 lakh saplings in Central Ridge

The Delhi Forest Department will launch a high-density plantation project in the Central Ridge to transform around 10 acres of degraded forest land into a dense native forest ecosystem.

Under the project, the department will plant nearly 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh saplings at a density of 3-5 saplings per square metre.

According to the Department of Forests and Wildlife’s Request for Proposal (RFP), the Miyawaki-style plantation method will create a self-sustaining forest ecosystem with rapid canopy growth in the Sardar Patel Marg area. The tender document said agencies participating in the bid process must show prior experience in Miyawaki plantation and ecological restoration projects.

An official said the restoration process will begin with detailed site surveys, soil testing and preparation of a plantation micro-plan identifying native species across multiple forest layers, including shrubs, sub-trees, trees and canopy species.

The selected agency will also undertake removal of invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora and lantana, debris clearing, soil loosening, pit marking and biomass enrichment before plantation begins, he said.

The project proposes using organic compost, mulching and microbial enrichment to improve soil fertility and moisture retention, along with developing drip irrigation, sprinklers or rain gun systems for watering the plantation.

Protection infrastructure, including chain-link fencing and measures against grazing and human disturbance, will also be developed at the site, he said.

The project includes a three-year maintenance phase involving watering, weeding, pest control, soil aeration, replacement of dead saplings and biodiversity monitoring.