The Ridge Management Board is hereby reconstituted consisting of the following members

## Report on the Reconstitution of the Ridge Management Board, Delhi **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi order, dated March 1, 2021, regarding the reconstitution of the Ridge Management Board. The order establishes a new board with a defined structure, membership, and functions aimed at the management, protection, and upgradation of the Ridge forests in Delhi. Key findings include the clear delineation of the board's responsibilities, the inclusion of both government officials and non-governmental organization representatives, and a specified term for non-governmental members. The order supersedes previous orders related to the Ridge Management Board. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview and analysis of the Government of NCT of Delhi order dated March 1, 2021, concerning the reconstitution of the Ridge Management Board. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the order. **3. Policy Overview:** This order constitutes an amendment, as it supersedes five previous orders (listed in the document) related to the Ridge Management Board. The core objectives of the reconstituted board, as inferred from the text, are: * Effective management and conservation of the Ridge forests in Delhi. * Protection of the Ridge's boundaries and natural resources. * Upgradation of the Ridge using appropriate silvicultural practices. * Regulation of public access and usage of designated areas within the Ridge. * Prevention of encroachments on the Ridge forest land. **4. Background and Rationale:** The rationale for this specific amendment (reconstitution) is likely to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ridge Management Board. The text implies a need to refresh the board's membership, clarify its functions, and ensure continued focus on protecting and developing the Ridge forests. The inclusion of specific NGO representatives suggests a desire for incorporating diverse expertise and perspectives into the board's decision-making processes. The fixed term for NGO members likely ensures periodic review and potential refreshment of these perspectives. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This document outlines the re-constitution of the board. Specific changes introduced include: * **Membership:** The order explicitly defines the new membership of the Ridge Management Board. The board comprises the Chief Secretary of Delhi (Chairman), Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Principal Secretaries/Secretaries from the Environment and Forest, and Finance departments of the Delhi Government. It also includes the CEO of Wildlife Trust of India, the Centre Manager of the Conservation Education Centre (run by the Bombay Natural History Society), the Chief Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Member Secretary). * **Tenure:** The tenure of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) / Non-Official Members is explicitly stated to be up to 29.04.2022. This represents a defined term, which may not have been explicitly stated or consistent in previous iterations of the board. * **Functions:** The order clearly outlines the functions of the reconstituted board. These include the execution of management plans for the Ridge forests, protection of boundaries, preparation and execution of detailed plans for upgrading the Ridge, control of public usage, prevention of encroachments, and other ancillary functions. These functions may represent a clarification or refinement of the board's responsibilities compared to previous orders. * **Co-option:** The board has the authority to co-opt up to two individuals with special knowledge of forestry, regional ecology, nature conservation, and related subjects for its meetings. This provision provides the board with flexibility to access additional expertise as needed. * **Supersession:** The order explicitly supersedes five previous orders related to the Ridge Management Board. This indicates a comprehensive update and consolidation of the board's governing directives. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * The members of the Ridge Management Board (both government officials and NGO representatives). * The Delhi Development Authority (DDA). * The Environment and Forest Department and Finance Department of the Delhi Government. * Wildlife Trust of India. * Bombay Natural History Society (specifically the Conservation Education Centre, Tughlaqabad). * The public utilizing the Ridge forests. * Individuals and entities potentially encroaching upon the Ridge forest land. * Lawful allottees within the Ridge Forest. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi, is the primary responsible agency. The Ridge Management Board itself is the key implementing body. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text specifies a term limit (29.04.2022) for the NGO/Non-Official members. Other timelines and procedures would likely be established and managed by the Ridge Management Board itself. * **Specific Changes to Implementation:** The clarification of membership and responsibilities could lead to more efficient and focused implementation of the board's mandate. The specific inclusion of relevant NGOs and the defined term length promotes active and timely particiation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of the amendment, based on the changes introduced by the text, are likely: * Enhanced management and conservation of the Ridge forests due to the clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the reconstituted board. * Improved protection of the Ridge's boundaries and natural resources. * More effective implementation of plans for upgrading the Ridge, informed by diverse expertise and perspectives. * Better regulation of public access and usage of the Ridge, balancing conservation with public enjoyment. * Reduced encroachments on the Ridge forest land. * Overall, a more effective and accountable Ridge Management Board. **9. Conclusion:** The March 1, 2021 order represents a significant step in the ongoing effort to manage, protect, and upgrade the Ridge forests in Delhi. By reconstituting the Ridge Management Board with a clearly defined structure, membership, and functions, the Delhi government aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and ecological integrity of this vital green space. The inclusion of NGO representatives and the specified term limits highlight a commitment to collaborative and accountable governance. The supersession of previous orders suggests a desire for clarity, consistency, and improved effectiveness in the management of the Ridge. This amendment reinforces the importance of the Ridge forests as the "green lungs" of Delhi.

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