Delhi plans ‘Qurani Van’ as part of themed-forest initiative

The Delhi forest department is planning to add a new “Qurani Van” to its list of themed forests in the national capital, as part of its broader push to expand green cover while linking ecology with cultural traditions, a senior official said.

The proposed Qurani Van is aimed at increasing plantations in Delhi, while also strengthening the connection between people and nature, the official said, adding that the initiative is designed to reflect the long-standing interconnection between communities and the natural environment.

“These forests will enhance plantations in the national capital, add ecological value and attract more people to forest areas, while educating them about different cultural aspects in an engaging manner,” the official said.

The plantation plan for the Qurani Van is still under discussion, but it may include species that hold cultural or religious significance in Islamic traditions, such as date palms and similar flora, the official added.

The development is being added to the broader themed-forest project that was reported by PTI earlier, which includes a series of “special vans”, such as Ritu Van, Nakshatra Van, Rashi Van, Thirthankar Van, Bel Van and Panchvati Van.

Ritu Van will feature trees linked to different seasons to showcase changes in flowering and foliage through the year, while Nakshatra Van will include plants associated with stars and constellations.

Rashi Van will be based on zodiac signs, Thirthankar Van will honour Jain spiritual teachers, Bel Van will focus on the bael tree and Panchvati Van will draw from the concept of sacred groves linked to the five elements, the senior official said.