Delhi Environment Minister sets goal of planting a million saplings

Delhi Forest Minister Imran Hussain on Tuesday directed officials to achieve the target of planting one million saplings across the national capital this year to increase the green cover.

"Since pre-monsoon showers have set in Delhi and it is expected that soil moisture level will now be maintained till the ensuing monsoon season, the officials has been asked by the Forest Minister to plant 10 lakh saplings in the city," a government statement said.

The Forests and Wildlife Department will be planting around four lakh saplings besides arranging free distribution of seedlings during the monsoon season to ensure tree plantation on all available land in Delhi.

All three civic bodies will be planting more than two lakh saplings. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Education Department are planting more than one lakh saplings in their areas and school premises respectively.

Besides this, 17 more agencies are participating in tree plantation drive in ensuing monsoon session and will plant around three lakh saplings.

"Hussain said that tree plantation is the only way to improve the air quality by reducing carbon dioxide through carbon sequestration cycle. He said climate in July-August is highly favourable for growing of trees like neem, pilkhan, barh, jamun, amla, baherha, hingot, palash," the statement said.

The tree plantation will be done in various parts of city from July 15 onwards on daily basis by the legislators and Residents Welfare Associations concerned.

--IANS

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