The Story of the Vasant Kunj Mahipalpur Ridge For Youthreach by Natural Heritage First

Delhi; a city defined by its river and ridge. The Ridge goes back 2 billion years! The river and the country go back only about a 100 million years. Built heritage started just a little later, a little over 2000 years ago.

Water Sanctuary The Vasant Kunj community ground water reserve We have about 7 sq km of quartzite lain Arravali ridge, which according to the CGWA recharges as much as 85% of the rainwater. Delhi’s average annual rainfall is 60cm. If we consider even 30 cm recharge in this special area, we find this 7sq km will recharge, 2 billion litres in a year. This water is unpolluted and high quality mineral drinking water. If we sell this as bottled water at the rate of Rs 2 per liter(1/15 th of prevailing market rate of mineral water), this resource values at 400 crores per year!

What you may not know 1. Natural Heritage& ResourceValue: Water Sanctuary

#This land is my land, This land is your land 2. Natural Justice The DDA Grand Sale 25 hectares of Vasant Kunj Mall =250000sqmeter Residential = Rs 3 lakhs/sq yd, Commercial > 6 lakhs/sq yd Land Value of VK Mall = 25 hectares > 20, 000 crores DDA Sold for 1100 cores IS THIS A SALE OR A SCAM And the MOEF and S. C. says substantial investment of 300 crores has been made so we can only compromise ! ?

The Army Now declares war on 3.25 sq km of Ridge Directed to stop cutting forest and construction by CEC 2.Consummation – Married housing Deposed in Supreme Court to say it has constructed 4% BUT has built 50%between 2004 and now 3. Titles affidavit ‘ Construction on Vasant Kunj ridge but does not accept it is ridge Kills “ Little Bharatpur” and at this moment carving THE GASH : excavating a huge conduit in Mahipalpur’s 1000 year old forest

The Supreme Court The CEC, its own expert committee on Forests and Environment in March 2004 directs MOEF and Delhi Government to ensure to cutting of forest or construction take place and in July 2004 that the whole area be made a National Park No construction till this time. Construction starts slyly later 2006 The SC agrees with the MOEF expert Committee that the entire land is ridge, vital water recharge area and environmentally unsound for any construction and in contravention of the Masterplan and without any mandatory environmental clearances so illegal. But now that some construction has taken place only compromise is possible

The Authorities that have turned a blind eye The Ministry of Environment and Forests The Ministry of Urban Development Jaipal Reddy The Lt. Governor The Delhi Government

OVER TO YOU 1. Write to Chief Justice to Review 2.Write to President, PM, CM.. 3. Future Generations Schools and Colleges 4. Push NDTV, CNN, ZEE, BBC, AAJ TAK… Site on the Net: Natural Heritage

Quality of life: From Natural Heritage The Ridge, forest and the river must be protected because: # Delhi needs a ridge: 1.It provides a barrier against the approaching desert around Delhi. # Delhi needs forest: 1.Clears the air, converts exhaust fumes to O2. Critical for the health of Delhi’s citizens - infant asthma has become endemic. 2.Needs natural and recreational areas away from the chaos of traffic, where one can take walks, ride a cycle, climb trees, etc. # Delhi needs quality water- desperately! 1. Comes naturally from the ridge forest.

# Planning cities: 1.Cities today are deprived of essential natural heritage because preservation of natural heritage/environment has not been implemented into the planning process. 2. We need a citizens participatory local planning process. The ridge and river are sacred in Delhi’s master plan which, however, is observed more in its violation and not its spirit. P.S.- 1.A forest requires no maintenance, unlike parks that need lots of water and constant care. Besides, it gives water and oxygen for free. A forest is a provider whereas a park is a consumer.

Movements to conserve are scattered, we need to combine energies to become stronger and more effective. Instead of working individually, lets become one force combating the problems that we face everyday.