New Delhi: Although the most know about the role of the Department of Forest and wildlife plays a role in protecting forest land in Delhi, South Ridge – Delhi’s largest green patch – almost fully guarded by a lower group called ecological task force (ETF).
Consisting of pensioners and ex-services personnel, ETF is assigned to protect the South Ridge and planting original species, not only ensuring that the land turns into a fertile green landscape, but also prevents encroachment and erection of illegal structures in the area.
Formed in 2000 by the government of the LED Congress Sheila Dikshit, ETF has since revived 48 water bodies and also planted more than 32 lakh tillers in Asola, Bhatti, Dera bath, Ghitorni, Rajokri, Jaunapur, Devli, Tuxlaqabad and Rangpuri.
An ETF official, who asked for anonymity, told TII that the work might look simple on paper, but his personnel were divided into several groups and served with the reforestation of Medan Rocky Aravalli patches for several years, often sleeping in that place ensured that the new puppies were planted Not trampled or to prevent new structures appear on forest land.
“The team took a barren patch patch 24×7, protecting puppies planted, watering areas, building structures for water conservation and reminding others of illegal encroachment,” said the official.
Under 132 Battalions ETF, 261 individuals are currently deployed in Bhatti, Asola, Ghiterni, Rajokri, Jaunapur and Tuxlakabad.
The area that was rebuilt was submitted to the Ministry of Forestry, such as Ujwa in South Delhi.
Officials say that every individual on the ground is given a different task, such as watering the newly planted worship, creating a review of dams and rounds or forested land patrols.
Another ETF official, which was assigned to the Asola Bhatti wildlife patrol, explained why the water collection efforts were important.
“Over time, the creation of a check dam helps improve groundwater tables in the area.
There is also more moisture on the ground when it rains, and this allows puppies to grow faster, in turn attract wildlife.” Since 2000, more than 48 waterbodi has been Revived or made in South Ridge, which leads to an increase in the presence of birds.
ETF officials acting as the first eye in the forest, often notifying the forest department of rare fauna sightings, including leopards and striped hyenas.
“Southern Ridge and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, in particular, have seen an increase in the number of sightings of leopards, nylgai numbers and snake and bird populations,” said an official.
Under orders of the National Green Court, the Department of Forest and Wildlife have explored house forest land and buildings built illegally.
After the released structure and the limit wall was founded, the ETF took over and began planting the original puppies.
However, they also met with resistance on occasion.
Only last month, the ETF team faced an attack by more than 20 people in the bath.
They tried to reclaim the cleaned and ETF forest land had to call the police to get help.
The official said, “If our visible encroachment or personnel were attacked, we told the local police and the Ministry of Forestry.
In certain cases, the attackers were arrested and taken to the nearest police station.
Plantation work is still not affected by incidents and in 2-3 years , the puppies will grow into a height where they can defend themselves.
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