New Delhi: Panchvati Van, a special theme-based plantation developed over two acres, was inaugurated recently in Central Ridge. Drawing inspiration from sacred groves mentioned in Indian mythology, the circular patch contains 39 saplings of five species — banyan, peepal, Ashok, amla and bel.Union home minister Amit Shah, chief minister Rekha Gupta and Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav have also planted saplings here. The forest department plans to develop seven more theme-based patches in Central and Southern ridges in the next two months. However, ecologists have criticised the plan, calling the patches “ornamental gardens” that will not contribute to the restoration of the ecosystem.TOI visited the site and found that a bamboo hut had been created at the centre, with 39 saplings planted in five concentric circles, along with a small artificial waterbody.According to mythology, sacred groves arranged in a symbolic spatial order create harmony among nature, spirituality and human life. “Panchavati Van has been created in an eco-friendly manner with no use of concrete. There is no proposal to create toilets or parking here,” said a forest official. “No harmful chemicals have been used. The plantations have been carried out in accordance with the forest department’s plan, prepared by Forest Research Institute, for the promotion of eco-tourism.” He added that any work in Ridge would be done only after permission from the competent authority.On April 18, the department withdrew a tender for carrying out an anti-termite treatment in Central Ridge using toxic chemicals like chlorpyriphos or lindane following TOI’s report highlighting their harmful effects.Of the seven theme-based patches, four will come up in Central Ridge — Rashi, Tirthankar, Vaman Vriksh and Ritu vans. Southern Ridge, which already has Rishi Van, will develop Nakshatra, Bel and Qurani. Each of them, approved by Delhi Ridge Management Board recently, will be spread over one to 2.5 acres.“Central Ridge is spread over 864 hectares while Southern Ridge is around 6,200 hectares. However, the total area of these patches is just around 16 acres. They would help people connect with nature,” said another official.Pradip Krishen, author of ‘Trees of Delhi’, called Panchvati Van an abomination. “It has nothing at all to do with the forest department’s stated intention of ‘restoring’ Ridge. None of the trees planted belongs to Ridge and the bamboo hut is surrounded by ornamental plants you see in municipal gardens.”Krishen added, “Apart from the fact that they detract from any kind of ecological makeover of Ridge, they are not even attractive. We are missing a great opportunity to make a beautiful and resilient natural forest on Ridge.”Natural historian Pranay Lal raised objections to the creation of gardens or parks in a reserve forest. “Central Ridge has quartzite rocks, and its soil does not bear additional nutrients. The roots of peepal and banyan trees typically extend 10-15 feet deep, but the soil depth in Central Ridge varies from 10-12 feet to as little as six inches. Planting peepal and banyan trees here is a waste of effort as they are unlikely to survive,” said Lal.He added that the forest department should organise nature walks in Ridge to connect people with nature and one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.
