The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is planning to establish a ridge interpretation centre at Patel Chowk metro station to highlight the distinctive features of the Delhi Ridge and raise public awareness about the city's green lungs. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

This initiative stems from a condition set by a Supreme Court-appointed central empowered committee (CEC) in 2008 when DMRC was constructing the Chhatarpur metro station on the Yellow Line. The CEC had granted permission for the use of certain parts of the Ridge land, with the stipulation that DMRC construct the interpretation centre.

The CEC had stated that a ridge interpretation centre must be set up to showcase the area's rich ecology, educate the public, and foster greater awareness about the importance of the Delhi Ridge.

Anuj Dayal, the principal executive director of corporate communications at DMRC, mentioned that the centre is being built in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions. He added that the centre will serve as a facility providing comprehensive information about the Ridge areas of Delhi. DMRC aims to develop it into a repository of knowledge about the Ridge and the various sustainability efforts underway to preserve this vital green space in the national capital.

Another DMRC official revealed that the centre would serve as a valuable source of information on the Ridge areas. It would detail the conservation efforts made to protect the flora and fauna in the region, helping to raise public awareness about the expansive green spaces that act as the lungs of Delhi.

Initially, the centre was planned for the Qutub Minar metro station, but Patel Chowk was chosen due to its central location. DMRC also operates a metro museum at Patel Chowk.

Delhi’s ridges include the Northern Ridge, Central Ridge, South-central Ridge, and Southern Ridge, covering a total area of around 7,777 hectares. The Southern Ridge is the largest, spanning 6,200 hectare. The Central Ridge covers 864 hectares, the South-central Ridge extends over 626 hectare, and the Northern Ridge occupies 87 hectare.

Additionally, seven hectares of DDA land at Nanakpura Gurdwara have been designated as part of the Central Ridge. However, the final notification will be issued only after the Forest Settlement Officers settle any claims, rights, and objections, as stated on the Delhi forest department’s website.