Civic agencies, DDA to conduct tree census in Delhi

Delhi government has asked all civic agencies and DDA to conduct a tree census focusing on details like species, age, health and location of trees falling under their jurisdiction.
The census is aimed at encouraging awareness of the need for tree conservation, regulating pruning and felling and increasing green cover with people's participation.
Delhi's Environment Minister Asim Ahmed held a meeting with civic agencies and asked them to conduct locality and park-wise census of trees, according to a senior official.
This census will be the first-of-its kind as it will have elaborate details of each tree.
"All the civic agencies and DDA have been asked to mark each and every tree falling under their jurisdiction. Each species will be numbered and minute details like its height, age and health will be noted during the census.

"It will be on the lines of citizen census done by central government. During the census illness or problem around the trees will be identified and remedial measure will be suggested," senior officer said.

Tree census has been conducted by some cities such as Nagpur, Mumbai and Calcutta. The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), which covers only 3 per cent of the Capital, has also done a tree census in its jurisdiction.
"So far only NDMC has done tree census and as it is a mammoth task we have asked civic agencies and DDA to ask their horticulture department to visit each park, roads and locality and number trees in the area.

"Once the trees are numbered, we will get to know exact location of the trees. Surprise check will also be done to see if the information furnished is genuine. Census team will also check the health of the trees and will suggest solution. If a tree is surrounded by concrete then respective department will asked to de-concrete it, similarly if a tree is weak then support will be given to it to grow," senior officer said.
According to the Economic Survey of Delhi 2014-2015, the city had a tree cover of 297.81 sq km in 2013 or 20.08 per cent of the total area of the national capital.

So, far government has no idea about density, variety and health of the trees other than green cover of Delhi based on satellite images. PTI SSH.