Eco-imbalance may cause Uttarakhand-type calamity: Dikshit

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Saturday urged Delhiites to plant more saplings, saying that environmental imbalance may invite an Uttarakhand-type natural calamity that has claimed over 600 lives.

Speaking at a function after launching a plantation drive, Dikshit said: "Environmental imbalance may invite Uttarakhand-type natural calamities, hence, it is critical to make atleast one-third of Delhi green by planting more and more saplings."

Planting saplings at Ujwa village in west Delhi, Dikshit stressed on the importance of increasing the green cover in the city.

"The plantation drive is for enrichment of environment to mitigate air pollution and maintain ground water table level," she said.

"The government has been concentrating on improving survival rate of planted saplings," she said.

She noted that the children had contributed in expanding the green cover.

"With the help of school eco-clubs, the children have helped in making a record expansion in the green cover - up to more than 20 percent of Delhi's area," Dikshit said.

The Delhi government's environment department plans to plant 15 lakh saplings this monsoon.

"Nearly 15,000 saplings would be planted at Ujwa village. The government has developed 40 city forests to ensure environment conservation and protection of flora and fauna," she added.