Reply by Army regarding replacing invasive Kikar species in the Ridge area of Delhi, 23/12/2024
Reply by Army in OA No 782 of 2023 (News item titled Forest Department sends notice to Army HQ for tree offences, which appeared in The Times of India dated 18/12/2023). The report of December 23, 2024 was uploaded to the NGT site on April 17, 2025.
The affidavit was filed by the Officer Commanding at B Sqn 61 Cavalry, Delhi Cantt. The B Squadron, 61 Cavalry is the custodian of the land parcel which has been mentioned in the media report of December 18, 2023. The 61 Cavalry Unit has proactively undertaken planned afforestation drives since 2021. The unit has introduced the Mayawaki method of plantation wherein the personnel of the unit planted 22,000 indigenous trees. These trees have now developed into fully grown self-sustaining forests. In 8.78 hectares of land in question, the unit planted additional 22,000 indigenous trees which are currently 4-5 feet high and are not visible in the google earth satellite imagery of April 2023. Also, there are 90 kikar trees which are there but cannot be discerned in the google image being scattered and having a lesser number of leaves when the image was taken by the authorities. While carrying out the plantation of 20,000 additional saplings in this area, no trees were uprooted or felled.
However, approximately 20 fallen/dry trees were moved to the periphery to create a natural barrier. These fallen trees are still lying on the site. Apart from these trees, the area consisted of heavy under growth of large bushes, shrubs and foliage which was cleared. The report by the Army acknowledged that while removing some of the fallen / dry trees prior consultation should have been carried out with the concerned department.
The report while admitting to the omission said personnel at all levels have been sensitized accordingly. The intention was to boost the ecosystem by planting more indigenous trees wherein totally approximately 42,000 indigenous trees have been planted. Taking into consideration the order of the government of NCT of Delhi, Department of Forest to replace invasive kikar species with indigenous variety of trees in the Ridge area to restore the Ridge area.
While initiating the reforestation project, prior sanction / consultation was not taken from the Forest Department, Delhi which was an omission that happened on the part of the Army. The Army has planted 42,000 indigenous trees which has been ascertained by the forest department of Delhi during their site visit on January 6 and February 10, 2024. The Army HQ Delhi area has conducted an inquiry, wherein it was emerged that there was no malafide intent by the concerned unit.