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810-RESOURCES
7.1 Importance ofBio-resource Management The bio-resources or ecological resources often termed as biodiversity is
defined as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a region (WRI-IUCN
UNEP, 1992). The wealth of life on the earth is the product of hundreds of millions
of years of evolutionary history. During this process, speciation and extinction are
two biological processes that have always gone hand in hand. What is worrisome
however, is the accelerated rate at which extinction of species has occurred in
recent times. This is primarily because of large-scale exploitation of natural
resources and conversion/degradation of landscapes by humans in recent times.
J'he ever-increasing loss of this biological wealth has posed serious threat to the
very existence of humankind. Our dream of sustainable planet can only be attained
if we protect the structure function and. diversity of the world's natural system on
which man and other species depend. Rio-resources or ecological resources are
generally divided into two broad categories: plant resources and animal resources.
Green Plants occupy very important place in the ecosystem because of its higher
biomass and its capability to convert solar energy into food energy, thus serving as
a basis of energy flow in an ecosystem. Apart from meeting the basic needs of
food, shelter and health, biodiversity has contributed in a variety of ways to
conserve and enhance human utilisation. Unwise and over exploitation of bio
resources and destruction of natural habitats lead to environmental degradation,
which ultimately lead to destabilisation of natural ecosystem. It is, therefore,
necessary to pay more attention towards the preservation, conservation and
management of bio-resources as to maintain ecological balance and ecosystem
equilibrium in order to ensure the survival of humanity.
Recently more interests are being shown m the preservation and
management of ecological resources because of their intrinsic value, aesthetic
value, social benefits, scientific value, recreational and educational significance
and overall environmental value. Management of bio-resources includes all the
three aspects: survey evaluation and preservation as well as conservation. Survey
of bio-resources is the collection of more database using field survey methods and
remote sensing techniques. On the other hand evaluation of bio- resources is
mainly concerned with the value judgement of habitats and species of plants and
animals of a particular habitat. Quite often, people use the terms preservation and
conservation as synonyms but both the terms differ significantly in their meaning
In ecological context preservation means upkeep of rare and endangered species of
plants and animals in specially protected areas so that their populations may
increase to optimum level. No use of such resources is permitted. On the other
hand conservation is a process which aims at proper use and its management in
such a way that they are always available for judicious use by humans as well as
ecological balance is maintained.
7.2 Role , of Remote Sensing and GIS in Rio-resource evaluation.
Satellite data have been found useful in providing spectral and spatial
information pertaining to forest due to its synoptic coverage and periodicity.
Satellite data have made a big difference in the formulation and implementation of
national forest policy. While satellite data provide the status of forests in a cost
effective way, the Geographic Information System (GIS) enables planners to
process the data in terms of the people's need as well as physical realities.
Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are expected to be a valuable tool in
the study of biodiversity. The techniques can be used to examine the species
habitat relationship, which can be used to evaluate biological diversity. Species
habitat relationships are suitably ratings assigned by biologists to each habitat
class, either as a binary (suitable, unsuitable), ordinal (High, Medium, Low) or
ratio (index scoring) value. Each species distribution can thus be mapped by
mapping environmental factors. Richness of species can then be inferred from the
models developed in such a way.
GIS modeling can be successfully used for mapping and monitoring
species richness at local and regional scale based on vegetation cover (derived
from Remote Sensing) and other habitat factors (obtained from existing maps like
SOl toposheets or field studies). Comparison of bitemporal data : NDVI, PCs etc.
results, is one of the most widely used methods for obtaining information on
temporal vegetation changes. This needs following conditions to be fulfilled: (i)
Classification scheme for both the dates should be exactly same. (ii) Identical
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classification algorithm should be employed for both the data sets. (iii) Level of
generalization in both the classifications should be identical.
7.3 Evaluation of Plant Biodiversity of Delhi Delhites today would react with surprise and disbelief it they would be
told that urban Delhi was once forested and inhabited by a variety of wildlife. The
biotic and abiotic factors, governing the type of vegetation in Delhi are rather
adverse. The area is characterized by long periods of water deficit coupled with
high temperature. These characteristics give the region a semi-arid climate.
The flora of Delhi comprises nearly 1,000 species of flowering plants
belonging to some 120 families (Khot, 1986). Sixty per cent of the species are
either indigenous or naturalised and the remaining introduced. There is no
endemic. More than 50 per cent of the indigenous flora represents the tropical
species. Nearly eight per cent is from tropical Africa less than 50 per cent from the
New World, and two per cent from-the temperate region. (Khot, 1986). Rapid pace
of urbanisation is responsibl~Jor the loss of biodiversity in this city. Presently the
only natural terrestrial ecosystem of Delhi is the Ridge while aquatic ecosystems
are Yamuna River, Najafgarh drain, Bhalaswa lake etc. Various limitations
regarding remote sensing data viz. unavailability of bitemporal multispectral data
and use of such imagery in the study when leaf fall used to be in full swing have
seriously affected the evaluation of plant biodiversity in the present study. In spite
of that an attempt has been made in the present study to map the vegetation of the
area based on satellite data and the field study. Plate 7.1 shows the Vegetation
Map of Delhi. Evaluation of plant biodiversity in Delhi can be performed under
three categories: Delhi ridge, open space and Yamuna river system.
7.3.1 Plant Biodiversity of Delhi Ridge: A Community Structure and
Biotic Pressure
Delhi Ridge is defined as rocky out-crop of Aravalli ranges stretching
from Delhi University in the north to south of the NCT boundary and beyond
(MPD 200 1 ). It is actually such extension of the Aravalli hills that enters Gurgaon
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from south and sprawl towards Delhi in the form of tableland, some five kilometers
across. Antique map (Plate 7.2) shows that the Delhi ridge was a continuous
stretch but rapid urban sprawl has demolished some of its parts. Now it exists in
four pockets with total area of about 7782 ha. Table 7.1 gives its all the sub
division with areas.
The Delhi Ridge and its neighbouring hilly tracts represent the
characteristic natural flora of the state, which is a tropical thorny secondary forest
commonly known as arid open scrub forest (Maheshwari 1963). Such forests are
widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid zones of the earth where the total
annual rainfall ranges from 50-100 em. In the present study dominant species of
the Ridge have been identified by making 10 metre x 10 metre quadrants and the
result is shown in Table 7.2. Thus the bulk of vegetation of the Ridge consists of
co-dominant spinous shrubs and trees capable of great drought resistance.
The tress comprising the perennial vegetation of the ridge are both
indigenous as well as introduced. The chief indigenous species are Acacia,
leucophloea, A. modesta, A senegal, A arabica, A catechu, Butea monosperma,
Anogeissus pendula, Cordia dichotoma, C. rothii, Tecomela undulata, Zizyphus
mauritiana etc. (Maheshwari, 1963). The most important exotic species of the
ridge is Prosopis juliflora, native of the arid regions of Mexico and Central
America introduced in 1877. Other successfully introduced tress are Azadirachta
indica, Feronia limonia, Dalbergia sissoo, Casia fistula, Albizzia lebbeck,
Prosopis glandulosa etc. (Maheshwari, 1963). The thorny shrubs occur in widely
spaced clumps supporting a number of twiners and climbers. Of these Capparis
sepiaria is very common and abundant., growing alone or associated with Grewia
tenax, Securinega lucophyrus, Carissa spinarum, Flacourtia indica etc.
A marked change is induced by the monsoon when the ridge wears a new
clock of green and the whole ground becomes carpeted with a variety of herbs
which cover the surface with a vivid green. These plants complete their life history
in three to four months after the rains. They help in increasing the humus content
of the soil and extending the vegetation to barren areas. In areas where the soil
consists of gravel or a thin superficial mantle of soil over the rock, Oropetium
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thomaeum forms a dense tufted growth, in association with Riccia sp. and moss.
All these form a pioneer plant community on the parent rock. As the soil dries up,
Riccia sp. dies leaving black patches after which this grass is seen in a fruiting
condition either alone or associated with Cyperus triceps, Melanocenchris
jacquemonti etc.
Out of four existing pockets of Delhi Ridge only two i.e. Northern Ridge
and Central Ridge have substantial vegetal cover. Even here, most of the green
areas have been transformed from natural and semi-wild scrub land into artificial
landscape gardens which is not suitable for ecosystem stability. Western portion of
the Northern Ridge is under severe biotic pressure while eastern flank is
comparatively less disturbed. Some portion of the Central Ridge have good forest
cover (with crown density >40%). Besides it has the only surving native floral
elements like Diospyros montana, Cardia dichotom, Cardia rothii, Ehretia laevis,
Grewia tenax, Capparis sepiavia etc. The habitat destruction in the Central Ridge
has been mainly due to government establishments.
The South Central Ridge has also been more or less completely denuded
due to incessant quarrying and construction work. The main green belts, which
have survived within this human onslaught, are the still thickly forested. 'San jay
Van' behind Qutub hotel and certain green patches adjacent to Ayanagar and
Rajokri. Southern ridge is also suffering from severe degree of degradation.
Quartzite mining is taking place in the Haryana part of the ridge, while it has now
stopped in Delhi. The Southern Ridge is also occupied by some colonies like DLF,
Qutub enclave, Ansal Sushant Lok, Palam Vihar, Garden Estate City etc. North
eastern portion of the southern ridge has been declared as Asola-Bhati Wildlife
Sanctuary.
In the arid and semi-arid regions, soil moisture is the main limiting factor
for plant growth (Champion and Seth, 1968). Such regions do not favour luxuriant
vegetation and thus are more susceptible to biotic influences. Grazing and fire
tends to compact and harden the soil, make it less absorptive of moisture and
finally more liable to erosion. Grazing and fire results in slow regeneration and
growth of dicot species, which finally results in a marked reduction in the number
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of species (Aggarwala, 1985; Daubenmire, 1968; Ramakrishnan and Ram, 1988).
Depending on the mode of degradation, fire or grazing, the vegetation shows two
types of deterioration. One towards the Savanna type where fires are important,
stimulating grass growth. On the other hand, the heavy browsing leads to a scrub
and thicket type of degradation wherein the palatable species disappear leaving
behind thorny elements (Purl et al., 1983). Different animals show different kinds
of grazing behaviours. For example goats and sheep graze upon the vegetation and
thus remove it right upto the ground level which leads to complete loss of vegetal
cover and is catastrophic, while cows browse upon the vegetation, the camels feed
upon the tree top vegetation and are less deleterious than sheep and goats.
Depending upon the intensity and variety of factors, different stages of
degradation of natural vegetation are seen. Often such degraded lands are
immediately invaded by the exotic weedy sp~cies or efforts are made to restore by
using alien species. In Delhi growing urbanization has led to almost complete
destruction of the ranges and only a couple of areas have been protected. The
southern part of these ranges is highly degraded due to intensive and extensive
quarrying. The rapid regrowth of vegetation in Delhi ridge is prevented by
excessive grazing and fires, the result is a progressive deterioration in the character
of vegetation. This is also accompanied by drier conditions of environment,
ecological retrogression and sometimes culminates in almost complete sterility of
land (Aggarwala, 1985).
The protected area of the ridge is comparatively less degraded and it only
bears the near natural flora of the state, which is an arid open scrub forest. This
may be due to comparatively well developed nutrient rich soil. As the site is
protected and has less of biotic influences the area also has comparatively higher
regeneration. Shankar (1983) concluded that protection of degraded vegetation
through enclosure on the desertic habitats invariably led to improvement of the
grass cover as well as the regeneration of the shrubs. While in the degraded area
the species composition has changed and a mixed flora made up of weeds and
weedy plants are noted. This characteristic ruderal flora occurs in open places,
where the soil is disturbed (Maheshwari, 1963). Grasses form the dominant
vegetation at most of the degraded sites.
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The possible reasons for the predominance of grasses may be fire, cutting
and grazing. as frre may contribute in a shift to community structure from
perennials to annual (Hopkins et al., 1948; Reynold and Bonning, 1956; West,
1965; Daubenrnire, 1968) and from dicot species to grasses (Cook, 1939;
Humburg, 1958; Sharrow and Wright, 1977; Scott, 1971). The possible reason for
the presence of perennial species (such as Saccharum spontaneum) in infertile soils
is because of the well developed underground rhizomes that help in regeneration
after perturbation. Cutting of grass could possibly be another reason. Dabadghao
and Shankarnarayan ( 1973) pointed out that Saccharum spontaneum predominates
under the influence of burning and cutting. Like fire, grazing also favours the
growth of grasses and impedes the regeneration of both native and exotic species.
7 .3.2 Plant Biodiversity of Open Spaces
Green areas, be they parks, forests or gardens, have immense value in
enhancing the city's physical environment in several important ways. Vegetation
cleans the air and along with water resources acts as a moderator of climate. The
hectic lifestyle of urban dwellers finds a break in the green areas of the city. From
large public parks such as Nehru Park or Lodi Gardens to small community parks
in low-income neighbourhood, green spaces provide opportunities for both passive
and active recreation. They serve as a common meeting ground for people from all
walks of life. Parks in the city are extensively used playing grounds for children,
weddings, religious discourses, and public meetings also provide a location for
quiet contemplation. The city's forests offer excellent natural conditions for nature
lovers to study the environment at close quarters. Green zones are the key
components to the well being of Delhi.
The network of green areas in the city follows (though not strictly) a
planned hierarchy of open spaces, as in the Master Plan. There are open spaces in
the neighborhood, adjoining shopping areas, community halls where people
assemble. These in tum are linked to active recreation areas such as children's
parks and cricket fields.
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The parks and gardens laid out in the city have designs according to their
location and topography. Parks developed around historical monuments normally
are flat and even terrain. Examples include Roshanara Garden and the gardens
around Humayun's tomb and Safdarjung tomb. Similarly, green spaces around the
Tughlaqabad fort ruins and in the Mehrauli area have incorporated the existing
undulating topography. The lay out of the various gardens reflects use of both
modern and traditional styles. Typical examples of modem landscaped parks are
Nehru Park an Buddha Jayanti, wherein forms such as slopes and mounds have
been added to the naturally existing topography. In contrast there are the parks of
Old Delhi which have retained the formality of the Mughal style. These are laid out
on flat land, geometric, with provision of water channels, fountains and garden
shelters or boarders in the centre of the park. The multitude of plant species that is
responsible for Delhi's greenery is combination of both indigenous and exotic
species. The gardens, parks, avenues, and traffic roundabouts present an array of
ornamental and shade-giving plants. Tree species commonly planted along major
roads and avenues are Azadirachta indica (neem), Cassia fistula (amaltas),
Eugenia jambolana Gamun), Ficus religiosa (peepal), Terminalia arjuna (arjun),
Dalbergia sissoo (gulmohur) and Kigelia pinnata (sausage tree). The name of
dominant tree species in various sampling sites is given in Table 7.3.
The major avenues of New Delhi such as Rajpath, Moti Lal Nehru Marg
and Shanti Path are lined with old and mature jamun trees. Commercial areas have
sturdy and hardy species such as neem, peepal, jamun and devil's tree. Among the
city's residential areas, the ones in south Delhi are amply dotted with trees and
shrubs. Apart from these variety of flowering plants that can be seen in private
gardens, trees commonly grown are Bauhinia purpurea ( cachnar) Erythrina indica
(Indian coral tree), Albizzia lebbeck (siris), Morus alba (shatoot), Jacaranda
imosfoli (Jacaranda) and Salmalia malabarica (silk cotton).
7.3.3 Plant Biodiversity of Yamuna Wetland
Wetlands are generally characterized by shallow water depths abundance
of aquatic vegetation and organically enriched sediments. They include a wide
variety of habitats such as ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, coastallogoons, riverine
132
floodplains and human managed areas like paddy fields (Bandyopadhyay, 1994 ).
The wetland is located to 28° 46'N and 77° 13' E to 77° 22' E on the eastern
outskirts of Delhi. The site has an area of 20,000 ha (35/kms stretch of Yamuna
river starting from 10 km north to 10 kms south of the city). The area is largely
contained within bounded embankments.
The chief vegetation of the area consists of large areas of water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes) particularly near the barrages and reed-beds with species of
Typha and Phraymites, chiefly around the islands in the river. As the city of Delhi
continues to expand, new urban and industrial developments and an intensification
of current landuse with continue to erode the few remaining areas of semi natural
marsh.
7.4 Evaluation of Macro Faunal Elements of Delhi
The Gazetteer of Delhi, 1983-84, gives an account of the animals once
found. "Foxes and hare, pigs along the banks of the Yamuna, black buck almost
everywhere, chinkara abound in the range of hills which run north-east of Delhi
and are usually found in the neighbourhood of the old cantonment (present Delhi
University Campus). Jackals abound, peafowl are plentiful, nilgai (blue bull), hog
deer are found near the villages Burari and Khadipur, leopards in the outlying
villages around Tughlaqubad. The entire river is infested with muggers and gharial
predominates but the snub-nosed man-eater is also plentiful. Within the past five
years rewards to the amount of Rs 98 have been given for the destruction on 10
leopards, 367 wolves, 1128 snakes." But in the pace of rapid urbanisation,
immigration and spread of human habitation and industries during the last five
decades, Delhi has witnessed a substantial loss of wild habitat. The faunal elements
of Delhi are largely of Oriental type. Various phyla and classes ranging from
Protozoa to Mammalia show their presence in Delhi.
Among the wild ungulates that ware native to Delhi and surrounding
areas, only the nilgai (blue bull) has managed to survive and continues to be
distributed in semi-wild conditions in fragments of its original range. Besides
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nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), jackal (Canis aureus)), small Indian civet
(Vivvericula indica), ruddg mangoose (Hrpestes smithl) and Rufoustailed hare
(Lepus nigricollis) can also be seen in rather density forested area. But to see them
a great degree of patience is needed.
Habitat destruction has not affected the avi-fauna of Delhi as badly as it
has the mammals. Several species of birds have some how managed to survive the
onslaught of rapid urbanisation. They have developed a palate for the contents of
garbage dumps, which abound in Delhi. Another reason for the survival of birds is
the protection they are accorded under the law, which prohibits shooting in the
ridge forest and along the Yamuna. In the past more than 350 species of birds were
spotted in Delhi but their number has now dwindled to about 200 and threatens to
decline ever further (Salim Ali, 1983, Kalpavriksh, 1991).
A large number of birds seen in the Delhi are migratory. The Yamuna
river, marshy lands, the rocky terrain of the ridge and the parks provide excellent
sites fore nests. Winter visitors include ducks--pintails, shovellers, common teal,
garganey, leaf warblers, wrynecks, wagtails, harriens and stone chats. Wanderens
such as red shanks, sandpipers and stints can be seen at the onset of the monsoon.
Delhi's summer migrants include the koel, piedcrested, cuckoo and golden oriole.
The flocks of migratory ducks and waders seen at the water bodies are much
smaller today because several of their wetland habitats have been reclaimed over
the years. Only the Delhi zoo provides a safe retreat for several migratory birds
especially migratory ducks.
While one can see birds throughout the year in all green areas, there are
certain areas favoured by the bird--watching community. Lodi Garden, the ridge,
Tughlaqabad, the Yam una waterfront near Raj ghat, Hauz Khas city forest and JNU
campus are some of these areas. Despite progressive urbanisation, the green lungs
of the city provide a shelter for the birds. The Delhi ridge still provides natural
food for many species of birds. The fruits and berries of Cappari, Zizyphus,
Salvadora, Crataeva, and fruits of roadside and green trees such as Ficus species,
Jamun, Neem, Grevilles, Evythnina, Salmalia, Butea sustain hundreds of birds. The
rocky wastelands with their sparse vegetation attract seed eaters.
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7.5 Strategies for Management of Biodiversity in Delhi There is an inseparable link between conservation and development.
While conservation of biodiversity is fundamental to the success of the
development process, development has to be both people oriented and conservation
based. Hence linking ecological and social processes is crucial for appreciating the
relationship between biodeversity and ecosystem function and to utilise this
relationship for human welfare through sustainable management of resources.
Such linkages could be at two levels: at the process level or at the
ecosystem/landscape level (Ramakrishnan, 1996).
7.5.1 Conservation of Delhi Ridge
Conservation of major natural features in a settlement is of utmost
important to sustain the natural ecosystem (MPD 2001 }. Aravalli, one of the most
degraded hill systems of the country has not been considered fit for inclusion in the
national programme for hill area development so far. Here the area and its people
have suffered the most and the resources of the region have been exploited so
much that now only the scanty forest cover exists. Conservation of biodiversity in
Delhi has assumed a great urgency because of the actual and threatened extinction
of many species of plants and animals and disappearance of habitates. For every
species that vanishes, countless population of unique gene pools is also lost. The
loss of every gene or species limits our options for the future (WRI-IUCN
UNEP,1992).
Considering the adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and
natural significance of ridge to Delites, its restoration is of paramount importance.
The ridge can act as a barrier to keep out the sands of Rajasthan and also, to some
extent, hot winds from the plains to the north. With its vegetation, the ridge can act
as thermoregulator by creating its own· evapotranspiration regime. The vegetation
of the ridge can act as a carbon dioxide and other pollutant sink, which is essential
for maintaining the quality of life in a sprawling city like Delhi. It has also the
ability to absorb noise and plays an important role as an effective noise buffer.
Thus the importance of the ridge and its v~ry presence in the midst of the ever-
135
growing city of Delhi is unquestionable as it forms the green lung of the
metropolis.
After the NGOs opposition to the transfer of the ridge to the DDA, the
Lieutenant Governor through its notification no. F.2 (11)/DCF/1990-1991 (dated
April 24, 1993}, appointed an 11 member committee comprising of government
and NGO representatives under the chairmanship of Lovraj Kumar to look into the
problems relating to its management. The committee concluded as: "despite the
clear intent for the last 80 years to conserve the ridge, there has been no systematic
effort to formulate and implement concerted legal administrative managerial and
scientific measure to achieve its objective." (Lovraj Committee Report, 1993).
Hence a systematic action plan is needed for the development of Delhi ridge. The
Lovraj Committee has also recommended to set up a Ridge Management
Supervisory Committee to consider all matters relating to landuse, legal status and
environmental conservation of the ridge and the government should take decisions
on these issues after obtaining the advice of this committee.
The most important development in connection with Delhi ridge is the
declaration of the entire area as a reserved forest. The Lieutenant Governor had
issued this notification under the Indian Forest Act on May 24, 1994. Though
different stretches of the ridge were notified as reserve forests on many occasions
but this was the first time that the entire ridge has been declared as reserved forest.
But the future of Delhi ridge is still not clear.
The conservation, preservation and restoration of the ecosystem in the
ridge and its protection is different to the management of wholly man-made forests
or landscaped parks. The ridge should be conserved with utmost care. Our attempts
should be to initiate ecological restorative processes in such a way that dynamic
climax community is attained in a shortest spell of time. The main emphasis should
be given for developing a dense forest by afforestation of native species like
Anogcissus pendula, Boswellice serrata, Dispyros cordifolia, Dichrostachys
cinerea etc. Choice of native species for afforestation should based on the
physiographic conditions of the soil. For example in rocky areas Acacia senegal,
Butea monosperma, Zizyphus spp etc. should be planted. Medicinally important
136
species like Avewhoea carambola, Commiphora mukul, Emblica officina/is,
Terminalia bellirica etc. should also be planted wherever adiquate soil cover is
available on the ridge.
The degradation of the ridge arising from large scale physical excavation
and clear felling of vegetation has left large parts of the ridge with little soil to
enable adequate growth of plants. At degraded sites the soil is highly leached and
nutrient deficient. With depletion in humus and with increased insolation on the
soil surface physical characteristics of the soil are also altered and at the same time
microclimate also gets changed. The grasses generally have upper-hand over other
non-grass species. Grasses are the early colonisers in the degraded areas. Soil
fertility may also contribute to the shift from perennials to annual ( Ram and
Ramakrishnan, 1988). A shift from dicots to monocots particularly to grasses may
be advantageous after perturbation because of the better capability of c4 grasses to
survive more effectively under severe stress. A high efficiency of nutrient use
could be an important adaptation to nutrient stress (Gumdon, 1972; White, 1972).
The C3 species with large utilization of nutrients for a given dry matter production
are suited to occupy nutrient rich microsites, while the C4 species with higher
efficiency of utilization of nutrients can successfully colonize nutrient poor
microsites. Hence C4 species should be promoted at degraded sites. In recent
years association of micro-organisms with elite plants also proving beneficial for
restoration of degraded lands. Hence association of micro-organisms with elite
plants should be ensured. Though the entire Ridge has been declared a reserve
forest, tree felling and lopping is still taking place. Grazing of cattle is also posing
serious threat to the conservation efforts. Hence immediate attention is needed to
be paid to this serious cause of habitat degradation.
No afforestation scheme can be successful unless it is protected from
people interference. The protection can only be successful when people's
participation in this great job is ensured. The Lovraj Committee has also mentioned
that the protection of the ridge by enclosing its area with boundary walls is not
only very capital intensive but also not secure for long without continuous repair of
portions that are damaged by intruders. Physical fencing has to be reinforced by
live fencing (thorny shrubs and bushes that repel cattle and also prevent easy
137
engress) and also by social fencing which can be achieved only with the active
cooperation ofNGOs, citizen groups and public (Lovraj Committee Report 1993).
7 .5.2 Species Suitability in Green belt/Green buffer
To arrest undesirable growth, of city and to ensure orderly compact urban
development a control belt is proposed all around the expected development area
known as green belt. Besides a width of hundred metros on either sides along other
major roads should be kept as green buffer to mitigate the air pollution. Selection
of species in such areas should be based on indigenous trees with large shady
crowns preferable with attractive blossoms or fruit and pollution mitigating
capabilities. Some of the species suitable for plantation in such areas are shown in
Table 7.4
138
... .., -
.... -
... 1011.
a"wN
:zo':zooN
VEGETATION MAP OF DELHI (STATUS AS IN MAY 1995)
-N •
f , • •
..
' .....
I J • ... 4' .
*"
LEGEND
• Dense
• Medium
• Low Other Vegetated Area
~ Very Low
.,...,. f.· on lrr· .... .,. .... Based on IRS LISS II Geocoded FCC P 29 R 47 & 48 (DOP 6.5.95) with limited field checks
PLATE7.1
.. -
. ZCI'E
ANTIQUE MAP OF DELHI ( 1807)
_,usaree
A.Teehar
.Oadree E aluthor 41Nungal
LEGEND --• =
Delhi Ridge
Water Bodies Localties Streem
Roads
SOURCE: SURVEY OF INDIA PLATE 7.2
0 1 2
I E I -
N
f
.,atparganj
Table 7.1 Sub-division of Delhi Ridge
SN SUB-DIVISION RANGE ~A _ill~ 1 Northern Ridge or Old Delhi Between Civil lines and 87
Ridge Delhi Univers!!Y_ 2 ~entral or New Delhi Ridge Between Karol Bagh and 869
DhaulaKuon 3 South Central Ridge Mehrauli-JNU-Mah~al]!_ur 626 4 Southern Ridge Outside city limits upto Gurgaon 6200
rrotal 7782
Table7 .2 Dominant Species of Delhi Ridge
SL. SUB-DIVISION OF RIDGE NAME OF THE DOMINANT SPECIES ~0.
1 Northern Ridge or Old Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Delhi Ridge Albizzia lebbeck, Casia fistula,
Ergthrina variegata, Cariesa spinarum, Secuinega varosa, Zizyphus nummularia, Grewia tenax
2 Central Ridge or New Delhi Prosopis juliffora, Acacia nilotica, Ridge Butea monosperma, Acacia levcopwoea,
Casia fistula, Diospyros cordifolice, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia siesoo, Ehretia laevia
3 South Central Ridge Cariesa spinarum, Lantana indica, Zizyphus nummularia, Prosopis juliflora, Leptadaenia reticulata, Ricinus communis, Securinega virosa
4 Southern Ridge Prosopis juliflora, Acacia spp, Zizyphus spp, Butea monosperma, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Calotropis procera , Achyranthes as....Q_era
Based on 10 m X 10 m Quadrants
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Table7 .3 Dominant Species at Some Selected Sites
SR. NAME OF THE COMMON BOTANICAL NAME ~0. SAMPLING SITE NAME
1 Cannaught Place Kikar I,Prosopis spp. Jamun Eugenia jambolana Kaner Neriumspp.
2 Punjabi Bagh Amaltas Cassia fistula Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Papri Pongamia pinnata Neem ~adirachta indica
3 Purana Qila Kikar Prosopis spp Bamboo Bambusa spp. Bottle brush Callistemon lanceolatus Peepal Ficus religiosa
4 Greater Kailash Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Kikar Prosopis spp Pe9>al Ficus reljgiosa
5 Mori Gate Park Peepal IFicus religiosa Jamun !Eugenia jambolana Palm Roystonea spp. Ashok Poly_althia lon_gif!Jlia
6 K. S. Krishnan Marg, Safeda Eucalyptus spp. Pus a Acacia !Acacia spp.
7 Lodi Garden Kikar Prosopis spp. Acacia !Acacia spp. Bamboo ~ambusa SPJ!.
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Table 7.4 Suitable Species for Plantation in Green Belt I Green Buffer
SL BOT ANI CAL NAME HINDI REMARKS NO. NAME
1 ~adirachta indica Neem dust collection 2 Casia fistula Amaltas dust collection 3 Tamarindus indica Imli dust collection 4 Buhinia purpuria Kachnar dust collection 5 Mangifera indica A am dust collection 6 Solanum melongena Baigan S02 removal 7 Cyamopses S02 removal
tetragonoloba 8 INerium indicum Kaner S02 removal 9 Alstonia scholaris Chatwan S02 removal 10 Ficus religiosa Pi pal S02 removal 11 Syzygium cuminii Jamun 12 Terminalia arjuna Arjuna S02 removal 13 Albizzia lebbeck Siris S02 removal 14 Delonix regia 15 Ficus bengalensis Bargad 16 Grevillea robusta Brandis 17 Melia azedirach Bakain 18 Terminalia bellirica 19 Cassia siamea Cassia lead removal 20 Zizyphus mauritiana Ber lead removal 21 Ficus glomerata Gular 22 Acacia catechu Khair 23 Dalbergia sissoo Sisham
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