Delhi Ridge Overview

The Delhi Ridge is a significant ridge system that runs through Delhi, India. It is considered one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, formed parallel to the Aravalli mountain range. This ridge system plays a crucial role in Delhi's environment, acting as the city's green lungs and influencing its climate and biodiversity. Unfortunately, due to rapid urbanization, much of the Delhi Ridge has been encroached upon or degraded.

Protected Areas and Delhi Ridge Remnants

Several protected areas exist in and around Delhi, aiming to conserve the remaining natural habitats. The question specifically asks for the protected area that safeguards remnants of the Delhi Ridge hill range. Let's examine the options:

• Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Sirsa district, Haryana, this sanctuary is known for the blackbuck population and is not primarily associated with the Delhi Ridge remnants.
• Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Rewari district of Haryana, this sanctuary is also not directly linked to the core Delhi Ridge hill range ecosystems.
• Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Jhajjar district, Haryana, it's a vital bird habitat but doesn't represent the primary remnants of the Delhi Ridge hill range itself.
• Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is situated on the southern edge of Delhi, bordering Haryana. It is part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor and contains significant portions of the relic Aravalli hills, which are geologically continuous with the Delhi Ridge system. It represents one of the last surviving natural landscapes of the Ridge in Delhi.

Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary: The Correct Choice

The Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is the correct answer because it is located within the geographical area associated with the southern extension of the Delhi Ridge hill range. This sanctuary preserves the rocky, scrubland ecosystem characteristic of the Ridge, providing a habitat for various plant and animal species, including leopards, nilgai, and numerous bird species. It is crucial for conserving the ecological integrity of the Delhi Ridge.