Mains issueGS-3Editorials03 October 2026

Challenges in Urban Ecological Restoration and Environmental Governance

An aspirant should be able to argue that effective urban ecological restoration requires a robust scientific approach, strong inter-agency coordination, public participation, and diligent implementation, rather than merely issuing directives or undertaking superficial actions.

Source: indianexpress.comOriginal report

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Why now

The ongoing, flawed 'restoration' efforts in Delhi's Central Ridge highlight critical issues in environmental policy implementation and urban ecological management, making it a pertinent case study for UPSC Mains on governance, conservation, and sustainable development.

Core issue

The article critically analyzes the ongoing 'restoration' efforts in Delhi's Central Ridge, specifically the removal of invasive Prosopis juliflora (vilayati kikar) and subsequent planting of native species. It highlights significant flaws in the implementation, including the use of heavy machinery causing soil erosion and dust pollution, damage to existing native flora, and a lack of scientific planning and inter-agency coordination. The author argues that despite a Supreme Court directive, the execution by the Forest Department and other agencies is counterproductive, potentially turning the biodiverse ridge into a 'dust bowl' rather than a thriving forest, underscoring failures in urban ecological governance and environmental policy implementation.

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