A controversial plan to “restore” Delhi’s Central Ridge forest has triggered widespread concern among environmentalists, scientists and citizens, after it revealed proposals that many say could harm, rather than protect, one of the capital’s last remaining natural ecosystems.
The Delhi Government’s Department of Forests and Wildlife had issued a tender on March 11, 2026, outlining a project to develop four “themed forests” within the Central Ridge. These proposed zones named Tirthankar Van, Ritu Van, Rashi Van and Panchvati Van were designed around religious symbolism, seasonal themes, zodiac signs and culturally significant trees. The project, estimated to cost more than five crore rupees, was presented as a restoration effort. However, experts argue that it resembles landscaping rather than ecological conservation.
The situation escalated when the tender document included the planned use of two highly controversial pesticides lindane and chlorpyrifos to treat the soil. Lindane has been banned in India since 2011, except in specific public health emergencies, and is listed under the Stockholm Convention as a chemical meant for global elimination due to its persistence and toxicity. Chlorpyrifos, another harmful pesticide, has been linked to neurological damage, developmental issues in children, water contamination and the destruction of soil ecosystems.
Environmental experts were alarmed that such chemicals were proposed for use inside a protected forest. Scientists point out that pesticides do not just target specific pests but also kill beneficial organisms essential for soil health. In forest ecosystems, organisms like earthworms, insects and microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecological balance. The use of such chemicals could disrupt these processes and degrade the forest from within.
The justification for pesticide use in the plan was to control termites. However, ecologists strongly disagree with this approach. Termites are not harmful in natural forests; in fact, they are vital to ecosystem functioning. They break down organic matter, enrich the soil, improve its structure and help retain moisture. By removing termites, the forest could lose an essential component of its natural regeneration system.
The proposal quickly drew criticism from environmental activists and media reports, forcing authorities to respond. On April 18, 2026, more than a month after the tender was issued, the Forest Department released a corrigendum withdrawing the use of lindane and chlorpyrifos. The revised document suggested the adoption of more eco-friendly practices. While this move was welcomed, critics argue that it only addressed part of the problem.
The larger concern lies in the overall vision of the project. Experts say that the plan to create themed forests represents a misunderstanding of how natural ecosystems function. Forests are not designed spaces that need aesthetic themes or decorative elements. They are complex, self-sustaining systems that evolve over time through natural processes such as ecological succession.
The Central Ridge forest, part of the ancient Aravalli range, has survived largely because it has been left relatively undisturbed. The proposed plan, however, includes features such as curated plantations, irrigation using treated sewage, paved pathways, lighting infrastructure, signage boards and waste management systems. Critics argue that these interventions would transform the forest into a park-like space rather than preserving it as a natural habitat.
Environmentalists warn that such “beautification” efforts could destroy biodiversity by replacing native species with selected plants chosen for visual or cultural appeal. Native species that have adapted to the region over decades are far more valuable for maintaining ecological stability than artificially introduced ones.
There are also ethical concerns surrounding the use of religious themes in the project. For instance, naming a forest after Tirthankaras spiritual figures in Jainism known for their emphasis on non-violence while simultaneously altering a natural ecosystem has been seen by some as contradictory.
Beyond ecological damage, the study highlights a growing risk linked to increasing human activity in fragile natural zones. As development expands into forested areas, the balance between conservation and infrastructure becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Experts argue that true restoration should focus on protecting existing ecosystems, preventing encroachment and allowing natural regeneration, rather than redesigning forests to fit human preferences.
Although the removal of toxic pesticides marks a partial victory for conservationists, the core concerns about the project remain unresolved. Critics continue to call for a complete rethink of the plan, urging authorities to prioritise ecological integrity over aesthetic or commercial considerations.
The controversy surrounding the Central Ridge serves as a reminder that not all restoration efforts are beneficial. When misunderstood, such initiatives can lead to the degradation of the very ecosystems they aim to protect. As Delhi struggles with pollution and shrinking green cover, the future of its last natural forest now depends on whether policy decisions align with ecological science rather than short-term visual appeal.