Save Dwarka forests

Save Dwarka forests

October 2024
Save Dwarka Forest, key decision-makers to safeguard the forest. It outlines several demands aimed at preserving the forest’s environmental significance.  In a recent legal development, the Supreme  Court of India reinstated protection for deemed forests, recognising that areas with significant tree cover should be classified as forested and thus protected under the Forest Conservation  Act of 1980. This ruling highlights the critical importance of maintaining the ecological status of the Dwarka Forest. Volunteers on the ground have reported severe damage to the forest, with heavy machinery digging up soil and exposing it. Nestled near the Sahibi River, the Dwarka  Forest is a vibrant wildlife sanctuary and a crucial ecological zone in Delhi.  This verdant expanse spanning 120 acres is home to an impressive array of biodiversity, including 65 species of birds, 50 nilgais, wild rabbits, jungle cats, and various Indian lizards.  Its strategic location also positions it as an essential stopover for migratory birds en route to the Great Najafgarh Lake, making it a vital component of the region’s ecological network.  However, this precious green space is currently under threat. Construction activities for mixed-use buildings, roads, and parking facilities are encroaching upon the forest, jeopardising its integrity and the wildlife that depends on it.  
In response to this alarming situation, the ‘Save  Dwarka Forest’ campaign has emerged, rallying citizens to protect this ecological gem. The campaign calls for immediate intervention from tree roots, causing irreparable harm to the ecosystem. As construction progresses and foundations for roads and commercial buildings are laid, the urgency of the ‘Save Dwarka Forest’  campaign becomes even more pronounced.  
The campaign calls upon the Ministry of  Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the  Rail Land Development Authority, and the  Ministry of Railways to take immediate action to protect this invaluable green space. As the fight to save the Dwarka Forest continues, it serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for sustainable development practices that prioritise preserving our natural environment.  The call to protect this vital green heart of  Delhi is not just about saving trees; it’s about safeguarding the wildlife’s future and ensuring  a healthier planet for generations to come. With many like Mrs Rajeshwari Prakash, a writer and environmental activist, who resides there,  taking part, there does seem to be some hope.  Let us all wish this ecological campaign the very best. 
- By Jamuna Rangachari