Delhi Government Reinstates Green Helpline and Proposes ₹5 Crore Themed Forest Project

Key facts

• Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reinstated the Green Helpline (1800-118-600) and instituted a new standard operating procedure to report tree-related offences.
• The Department of Forest and Wildlife floated a tender estimated at ₹5 crore to develop four themed forests named Tirthankar Van, Ritu Van, Rashi Van, and Panchvati Van on the Central Ridge.
• The project envisages clearing over 40,000 square metres of forest land and authorises mechanised excavation, earthwork, and canopy pruning within the 1.5-billion-year-old forest area.
• Data indicates the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) approved 97 per cent of proposals between 2014 and 2026, clearing 2,121 out of 2,186 reviewed projects.
• The Delhi government proposed establishing 13 new gaushalas (cow shelters), one in each district, to be integrated with the ridge and forest areas to address overcrowding.