Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced the development of a Ridge Interpretation Centre at Patel Chowk metro station. This center would act as an educative platform that would depict the ecological importance of Delhi Ridge and help the citizens and visitors of the city develop sensitiveness toward this vital lung area of the city. The construction of this centre is likely to be completed in 18 months.
Genesis of the Ridge Interpretation Centre
This Ridge Interpretation Centre is a direct result of the directives issued by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by the Supreme Court in 2008, while constructing the Chhatarpur metro station on the Yellow Line. This led to the DMRC being permitted to construct on parts of the Ridge, but only with a caveat: that a center dedicated to the education of the general public about the ecology of the area and its importance for conservation be established.
The CEC specifically emphasized the importance of the Ridge and instructed that the Interpretation Centre be established to reflect the rich biodiversity of the region. The center’s goal is not just to educate the public but to instill a sense of responsibility in preserving this critical part of Delhi’s natural heritage.
A Key Educational Resource for Delhi’s Green Lung
With regard to the understanding of the importance of the environmental attribute associated with Delhi Ridge, great treasure of knowledge will be given at the Ridge Interpretation Centre. Speaking with Ians, Anuj Dayal-Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications DMRC said that with the instruction by the apex court, centre would be conceptualised and would take the shape of a detailed facility for visitors here.
The facility will also provide comprehensive information about the Ridge areas, with details about the region’s ecology, the flora and fauna, and the diverse conservation efforts going on to save this vital green space. It will be one of the primary tools for encouraging greater public awareness about the importance of the Delhi Ridge in an environmental context.
Another DMRC official said the centre would be a “treasure trove” of information about the Ridge and its conservation. The Ridge is known as the “green lung” of Delhi. It helps clean up the air in the city, reduces pollution and supports biodiversity within the city. Through such exhibitions, DMRC believes it will reach more people and make them make commitments towards protection of green spaces.
Why Patel Chowk?
The DMRC had considered opening the Ridge Interpretation Centre at the Qutub Minar metro station. However, Patel Chowk was finally found to be a perfect place, as it happens to be very centrally located within the city, making it an easy destination to reach for many more people visiting and interacting at the centre. Another attraction here is the metro museum of DMRC. Patel Chowk is thus a suitable place for yet another project to educate the public about the rich heritage of Delhi and its environmental sustainability.
Understanding the Delhi Ridge System
The Delhi Ridge is an integral part of the city’s ecosystem. It is divided into four main sections, covering an area of about 7,777 hectares.
- Southern Ridge: The largest section, with an area of around 6,200 hectares.
- Central Ridge: It covers 864 hectares.
- South-central Ridge: It has an area of 626 hectares.
- Northern Ridge: It is the smallest part which has an area of 87 hectares.
These ridges are highly important as they help in the balancing of the ecological values of the city, provide for natural spaces harboring wildlife and help in reducing the urban heat in the city air. The South Ridge is the largest and most significant among these, serving to protect Delhi from becoming a ‘concrete city.’ Furthermore, seven acres of DDA land at the Nanakpura Gurdwara are being added to the Central Ridge with final notifications for which will await the settlement of claims and objections.
Long-term Vision for Sustainability
The establishment of the Ridge Interpretation Centre aligns with the vision of DMRC regarding the promotion of sustainability and environmental awareness. The public would be educated to appreciate the need for conserving the Ridge and its future utility for generations. It will be a resource facility for the knowledge sharing of what is currently being done for the protection of the Ridge’s flora and fauna and what role urban spaces can play in ecological preservation.
The project also advocates for the incorporation of conservation into an urban development venture. As this city expands and becomes urbanized, it is crucial to find ways to hold on to this green space with the aim to preserve and defend the ecological qualities of the town. DMRC’s effort can benefit its city residents and will form a model and example for developing cities in meeting their growth responsibilities with environmental ones.
Conclusion: A Promised Future of Green Delhi
Ridge Interpretation Centre is an important part located at the Patel Chowk metro station because this place is one step forward from what Delhi is trying to achieve to take the concept of environmental education and its preservation to the next level. The DMRC has developed this place which is aiding the city to protect ecological values and nudging people to contribute in its preservation. The project also seeks the sustenance of green spaces within the urban set-up to create Delhi sustainable.
As construction continues, the Ridge Interpretation Centre will become a focal point in education of Delhi citizens regarding their natural heritage, keeping green lungs for future generations.
Refer,
TOI, Link to article
Also read : DMRC Phase IV: Afcons Infrastructure Completes Longest Tunnel Drive Milestone