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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation opened the Delhi Ridge Interpretation Centre at Patel Chowk metro station Tuesday.The Ridge, which is the northern extension of the Aravali range, protects Delhi from western desert winds. The Ridge, which is divided into sections — northern, central, south-central, southern and Nanakpura — spans 7,784 hectares and is known as the city\u2019s green lungs.The centre at Patel Chowk station has been made to showcase the Ridge\u2019s unique ecological features and to raise awareness about its vital environmental attributes. This centre was developed on an order from the Supreme Court.TOI had earlier reported that setting up the interpretation centre was among the conditions laid down by the central empowered committee (CEC) in 2008 when DMRC was constructing the Chhatarpur metro station on the yellow line. This centre has come up in place of a metro museum which has now been shifted to the Supreme Court metro station.The museum is divided into six zones. The first gives an introduction to the Ridge. \u201cHistorical maps from the 1920s, 1980s and the present day illustrate the transformation of Delhi\u2019s landscape and the changing extent of the Ridge, highlighting its enduring role as the city\u2019s ecological lifeline and northernmost extension of the Aravali range,\u201d DMRC said.Called natural heritage, the second zone has a digital storytelling board featuring four ecological stories that provide an immersive journey through the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It also has a holographic fan displaying 3D visuals of the Ridge\u2019s flora and fauna.The third zone focuses on the protection of the natural structure and examines the challenges facing the Ridge. It also showcases conservation, restoration and community-led efforts to preserve the valuable urban forest. It has backlit panels showing conservation and legal information.The fourth zone, with its interactive kiosks, demonstrates the use of scientific research, digital technologies, environmental monitoring and innovative tools in understanding, managing and restoring urban ecosystems.The fifth zone with multi-touch interactive table and AR-enabled scanners highlights the historical monuments and cultural landmarks located within the Ridge. The sixth showcases DMRC\u2019s environmental initiatives.\u201cDMRC has always taken care of the environment, and the opening of this centre is another step towards spreading awareness about Delhi\u2019s natural heritage,\u201d said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director, corporate communications, DMRC.Chandra Prakash Goyal, chairman, CEC, said: \u201cThe Ridge areas will undergo many positive developments in the days ahead. I am sure that those developments shall also be reflected in the panels and exhibits in this interpretation centre.\u201dThe centre will remain open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, and will be closed on Mondays and public holidays. Visitors not travelling by metro can buy an entry ticket for Rs 11 at the Patel Chowk metro station customer care.<\/div>\n