Patel Chowk Metro Station to Host New Ridge Interpretation Centre.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is set to establish a Ridge Interpretation Centre at Patel Chowk metro station to educate the public about the Delhi Ridge and raise awareness of its ecological significance as the city's green lungs. The centre, expected to be completed within 18 months, is part of a directive from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) dating back to 2008, during the construction of the Chhatarpur metro station on the Yellow Line.

The CEC had granted permission for the use of some parts of the Ridge land, under the condition that DMRC create a facility to highlight the area's rich ecology. "The centre will reflect the vital ecological attributes of the Delhi Ridge, educating the public and increasing awareness of this natural resource," the CEC had stated.

Anuj Dayal, principal executive director for corporate communications at DMRC, said the centre will serve as an informative space dedicated to the Ridge's environmental importance. "Visitors will have access to comprehensive information about the Ridge and ongoing sustainability efforts to preserve this crucial part of Delhi's ecosystem," Dayal added.

The centre will focus on the conservation efforts made for the Ridge's flora and fauna, providing visitors with valuable insights into the area's ecological significance. Initially, the centre was planned for the Qutub Minar metro station, but Patel Chowk was selected as the new location due to its central position. The station already houses a metro museum.

The Delhi Ridge comprises four key areas: the Northern Ridge, Central Ridge, South-central Ridge, and Southern Ridge, spanning a total area of approximately 7,777 hectares. The Southern Ridge, the largest, covers 6,200 hectares, followed by the Central Ridge at 864 hectares, the South-central Ridge at 626 hectares, and the Northern Ridge at 87 hectares. Additionally, seven hectares of DDA land at Nanakpura Gurdwara have been designated as part of the Central Ridge, pending final notification after settling rights and claims.

ET