Delhi – Amid escalating environmental concerns, a growing coalition of activists and nature enthusiasts is spearheading an online campaign to halt the ongoing destruction of the Dwarka Forest in Delhi.

Save Dwarka Forest is one of the campaigns of Fridays For Future Delhi, a grassroots movement for the environment. The campaign includes citizens who are working on-ground to save the forest cover.

This verdant expanse, a crucial ecological zone, is currently under threat as construction work for mixed-use buildings, roads, and parking spaces encroaches upon its grounds.

The petition, now signed by 1,373 supporters, calls for immediate intervention from key decision-makers to safeguard this vital green space.

The Campaign and Its Demands

The "Save Dwarka Forest" campaign has mobilized citizens in a bid to protect the 120-acre forest, located near Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport. The petition demands that:

1. A Stay Order on Construction: The campaign seeks an immediate halt to all construction activities within the forest area.

2. Protected Forest Status: The 120-acre forest land in Dwarka, Delhi, must be given protected forest status .

3. Relocation of Construction Projects: The proposed buildings, roads, and parking structures should be relocated to an alternative site, with Sector-26 in Dwarka suggested as a viable option.

4. Protection of Wildlife and Vegetation: All wildlife and trees within the forest should remain undisturbed.

The Context and Controversy

The controversy began in February 2024 when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled that the Dwarka forest land was not to be considered as forested, despite its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

This decision came amidst growing concerns from local residents and environmentalists who argued that the area, which had naturally evolved into a dense forest over decades, should be protected.

The 120-acre tract was originally acquired by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in the 1960s and subsequently by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) in 2008. During RLDA's Bijwasan Railways Redevelopment Project, numerous trees were damaged or buried alive, leading to substantial fines imposed by the Forest Department in 2022. Despite these penalties, reports suggest that violations continued unchecked.

In a significant legal twist, the Supreme Court of India recently reinstated protection for deemed forests, recognizing that areas with substantial tree cover should be considered forested and thus protected under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) of 1980. This ruling underscores the critical importance of maintaining the Dwarka forest’s ecological status.

Why Dwarka Forest Matters

The Dwarka Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 65 bird species, 50 Nilgai, wild rabbits, jungle cats, and Indian lizards. Its location near the Sahibi River makes it a vital component of the migratory route for birds traveling to Great Najafgarh Lake. The forest also plays a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect, absorbing carbon emissions from the nearby airport, and recharging groundwater reserves crucial for the region’s sustainability.

Volunteers on the ground report severe damage to the forest, including JCBs digging up soil and exposing tree roots, causing irreparable harm to the ecosystem. The construction work is advancing with the foundation for roads and commercial buildings already being laid, further endangering the forest’s survival.

The "Save Dwarka Forest" campaign urgently calls on the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, the Rail Land Development Authority, and the Ministry of Railways to take swift action to protect this invaluable green space.

The petition highlights the need for a reconsideration of the development plans and emphasizes the importance of preserving the forest’s ecological balance.