STUDENTS CONTRIBUTION: Avinash Yadav
In a metropolis constantly grappling with urban sprawl, dwindling green spaces, and escalating pollution, Hauz Rani City Forest emerges as an invaluable ecological sanctuary nestled in the heart of South Delhi. Strategically positioned along the bustling Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, near Saket, this 85-acre city forest, established in 1994 by the Delhi Forest Department, stands as a testament to thoughtful urban planning and environmental stewardship.
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Delhi currently boasts 17 urban forests, including prominent ones such as Mitraon, Nasirpur, Butterfly Park, and Aya Nagar. Yet, Hauz Rani distinctly sets itself apart, particularly through its well-integrated facilities catering to recreation, wellness, ecological education, and biodiversity conservation.
Hauz Rani City Forest Entrance
Delhi currently boasts 17 urban forests, including prominent ones such as Mitraon, Nasirpur, Butterfly Park, and Aya Nagar. Yet, Hauz Rani distinctly sets itself apart, particularly through its well-integrated facilities catering to recreation, wellness, ecological education, and biodiversity conservation.
Vision and Ecological Importance
The core mission behind Hauz Rani City Forest is multidimensional. Aligned with Delhi’s broader green initiatives, the forest aims to serve as the city’s “green lungs,” actively engaging in rainwater harvesting, carbon sequestration, and pollution mitigation. Beyond these critical ecological roles, the forest serves as a vibrant hub for environmental education, ecotourism, wellness, and scientific research.
A Blend of Recreation and Conservation
Visitors to Hauz Rani are welcomed by two thoughtfully designed trails—a 2-kilometre cemented jogging track ideal for brisk walks and fitness routines, and a 1.1-kilometre kaccha (natural) trail for those seeking a more rugged, nature-immersive experience. Amidst lush greenery, strategically placed meditation huts, eco-vision points, benches, and a quaint duck pond enrich visitors’ encounters with nature.
Jogging and Walking Trails
Regular sightings of wildlife such as peacocks, parakeets, and squirrels add to the charm, making it a favored spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Community Engagement and Nursery Initiative
A noteworthy feature of Hauz Rani is its nursery, managed by the Delhi Forest Department, which distributes free saplings of native and medicinal plants to Delhi residents. Under the supervision of Nursery In-charge Yatender Singh, the nursery has significantly fostered community engagement and encouraged citizens to actively participate in greening their localities. Plants such as Jamun, Amla, Tulsi, Lemongrass, and Curry Leaves are available, symbolizing a commitment to both environmental and community health.
Nursery and Saplings Distribution
Infrastructure and Amenities
The forest is thoughtfully equipped with basic amenities, including potable water facilities, eco-toilets, a small amphitheatre, guard cabins, and clear signage to assist visitors. However, challenges persist, notably occasional littering, maintenance concerns in the kaccha paths, and limited lighting and sanitary facilities, issues that visitors have repeatedly highlighted.
Visitor Prabhat Soni notes, “The new rule closing the forest from 10 AM to 4 PM affects many visitors who prefer daytime visits,” while another regular visitor, Deepansh Garg, expresses concerns about cleanliness and stray dogs.
Guidelines and Visitor Information
The forest administration has established clear rules to protect this sensitive environment. Activities such as plucking flowers, loud music, cooking, sports, and photography without permission are strictly prohibited, reinforcing the forest’s primary purpose as a tranquil ecological retreat.
Visit Details
- Location: Hauz Rani City Forest, MB Road, near Saket J-Block
- Accessibility: Short walk from Saket Metro Station; multiple bus routes available.
- Timings:
- Summer: 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM
- Winter: 5 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM
Editorial Perspective
Hauz Rani City Forest is more than just an urban park; it is a lifeline amid Delhi’s rapid urbanization. It symbolizes a crucial balance between ecological conservation and urban life, providing a much-needed escape to nature for city residents. To maintain its value and accessibility, ongoing efforts to address maintenance and infrastructure challenges must be prioritized by civic bodies.
Ultimately, the Hauz Rani City Forest not only enhances environmental health but also enriches community well-being, proving itself indispensable to the ecological and social fabric of Delhi.
Also Read: Humayun’s Tomb: The First Great Mughal Garden Mausoleum
References
- Department of Forest and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi. City Forests Overview. https://cityforest.eforest.delhi.gov.in
- Delhi Forest Department. Free Tree Distribution Portal. https://dillifreetree.eforest.delhi.gov.in
- Field visit observations and interviews with local visitors and nursery in-charge Yatender Singh, Hauz Rani City Forest, July 2025.
- Forest Department, South Forest Division. Hauz Rani City Forest Profile Document, 2024.
- Citizen reviews from Google Maps and personal blog entries (2023–2025) detailing public experiences with Hauz Rani City Forest.