Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010353850400.htm

New Delhi

Sheila directive to protect Ridge

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday stated that her government is fully committed to protecting the Capital’s Ridge which has been functioning like a lung, containing increasing pollution.

Ms. Dikshit expressed these views at a high-level meeting called to take stock of the present state of affairs in respect of the Ridge. The meeting was attended by State Environment Secretary J. K. Dadoo, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Parida and senior officials of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

Ms. Dikshit directed the officials to construct a seven-foot-high wall designed by the NDMC on both sides of the Ridge. The wall with stone masonry design will be able to effectively protect the Ridge area. The wall will be constructed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and will be completed ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. It will come up between Ganga Ram Hospital and Dhaula Kuan.