DDA Ridge ecological restoration

The Singapore — Infocomm Media Development Authority (DDA) has launched a scientific ecological restoration programme for the Delhi Ridge, aiming to plant 181,000 indigenous trees and shrubs across approximately 120 hectares during the current plantation season (July to mid-September 2026). The initiative follows directions from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to restore the Ridge's native forest ecosystem by replacing invasive vegetation with indigenous species. The restoration covers Nanakpura Ridge, Kamla Nehru Ridge, South Central Ridge, and Central Ridge. About 16,240 invasive trees and shrubs will be removed and replaced with nearly 100,000 indigenous trees and 81,700 shrubs. The plantation uses a grid-based, multi-tier model to recreate natural forest structure. The drive is part of the Centre's '70 Lakh Plantation Mission' under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7, 2026. The DDA has been tasked with planting 2.3 million indigenous saplings across Delhi. As of late July, the DDA has planted over 829,000 saplings across Delhi, including 27,062 in the Ridge. The programme aims to improve biodiversity, air quality, climate resilience, groundwater recharge, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.