"SAY NO TO CYCLEWALK  - SAVE JAHANPANAH CITY FOREST".                

To,
The Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor,
Chairman, Delhi Development Authority
Delhi.

IN RE:     Representation against the Proposed Development of the project ‘Cyclewalk 'through Jahanpanah City Forest (Deemed Forest).

Respected Sir,
We, the residents of the area residing in the close proximity of Jahapanah Forest are concerned with the proposed development of the "Project Cyclewalk" which we have come to know has been recommended by the Ridge Management Board for consideration of the Central Empowered Committee.
It goes without saying that for the success of the proposed project, a large number of fully grown trees of various species will be either cut or destroyed and any compensatory plantation cannot compensate for the loss of such mature trees. The project will be  disastrous for the existing flora & fauna of the forest.
We all are aware that ' Jahapanah Forest ' is the home for many species of birds and wild animals such as nilgai, deer, peafowl etc. All will vanish in times to come once the so-called ' Cyclewalk ' track is made and becomes functional. 
Thousands of people use the forest daily for walks and exercise as it is the ‘only’ reserved habitat in the South East Delhi area. The proposed Cyclewalk could cause accidents to the regular users, including many senior citizens, who visit the forest to enjoy natures bounty and is considered a lung in our polluted city.
If the proposed development succeeds, under the garb of ecotourism kiosks to showcase it will slowly but surely lead to commercialisation of the forest land. 
We are sure you will appreciate the nightmare which was experienced  by all of us of this area when an ill conceived project of ' Bus Corridor ' was put in place from Delhi Gate to Khanpur. We all noticed that the dedicated 'Cyclewalk Path' made along the whole stretch of the bus corridor was being used by two wheelers, three wheelers and at times also by cars to avoid the heavy traffic on the corridor. In the same way one cannot rule out the possibility of the so called 'Cyclewalk ' path slowly being used by persons owning cars,  motorcycles, etc.  to avoid the traffic from Taghlakabad to Chirag Delhi apart from the track being 'shortcut' for the same route. 
Besides endangering the habitat of the forest, it also exposes the entire area to a serious threat for its security, law and order, since it will certainly be used by both cyclists and two wheelers, any time of the day or night.
It is necessary to bring to your kind attention that any attempt to construct a road under the garb of ' Cyclewalk ' track will be in utter disregard to the orders passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, in respect to 'Jahapanah Forest'.
We would also like to draw your attention that at no point of time the  residents of the area were ever consulted or their views were solicited for the project, though they are also the stakeholders and will have a direct impact of the project upon their day to day lives.
Thus, in the facts as stated above, we appeal to the DDA and other authorities to please let us remain blessed with this Nature's Windfall of pure and serene atmosphere and not interfere with nature. 
The residents of this area and all other stakeholders "SAY NO TO A CYCLEWALK PATH" in the only one ' JAHAPANAH  CITY FOREST '. 
Thanking You,
Concerned Citizens/ Residents