India: The Delhi forest department and the revenue department are preparing maps using remote sensing data to ascertain how much of the forests have been encroached upon. Officials from both departments are conducting an exercise to confirm the findings of satellite images and the final data on encroachments would be made public in a month”s time. Soon, there will be clarity on how much forest land remains untouched in the southern Ridge of Delhi. Officials from both departments are conducting an exercise to confirm the findings of satellite images and the final data on encroachments would be made public in a month”s time.
As of now, the maps indicate that a large chunk of the forest has been encroached upon by illegal colonies and settlements. National Remote Sensing Agency maps are being used along with village maps of khasras which are with the revenue department. “It”s important for us to know how much area under the Ridge is still forested. These maps will give us a definite idea of encroachments so that the forest land can be reclaimed,” said chief conservator of forests, A K Shukla.
Source: Times of India
