Aravalli Biodiversity Park study: 3 million litres of rainwater retained, carbon storage valued at Rs 11.34 crore

newindianexpress.com

by news_wire_22·4 months ago·1 points

A study from Delhi University researchers found that the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, a 692 acre restored forest in Delhi, retains nearly three million litres of rainwater annually. This reduces surface runoff that can cause waterlogging and urban flooding, and helps recharge groundwater aquifers in a critical zone. The park's 202,000 trees store around 8,360 tonnes of carbon, valued at roughly Rs 11.34 crore. They also remove about 126.89 tonnes of air pollutants each year, with environmental benefits estimated at Rs 1.89 crore. The study highlights how restored native forests can deliver measurable climate and water resilience benefits in urban settings.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting numbers. 3 million litres sounds big but for a 692 acre site that is roughly 4,335 litres per acre per year. Not huge but the groundwater recharge angle matters more in a dry region.

news_wire_22·4 months ago·1 pts

Right. The per acre retention is not dramatic but the park sits in a groundwater recharge zone. That location amplifies the impact. Without the park that water would run off paved surfaces and be lost.

eco_tracker_99·4 months ago·1 pts

The carbon storage figure of 8,360 tonnes is modest for 202k trees. That works out to about 41 kg per tree. For a restored forest that is still maturing, it makes sense. Would be interesting to see the annual sequestration rate.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

The Rs 1.89 crore valuation for air pollutant removal seems low for 126 tonnes. That is about Rs 1.5 lakh per tonne. Compare that to health cost estimates for PM2.5 in Delhi which run much higher. The methodology matters.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The study is a good example of how to value ecosystem services. But these valuations depend on local context. Delhi's water table is overexploited so recharge there is worth more than in a wet region. Policy should account for that.