To combat air pollution in the city, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Government is going to launch mega plantation drive on Saturday. Claiming the plantation drive —biggest ever in the history of Delhi—the Government will plant five lakh trees and shrubs.
“The unprecedented drive aims to effectively enhance the green cover of Delhi which will have a long-lasting effect on air pollution control,” said Delhi Government spokesperson. 600 different locations have been finalised by the Government, moreover 1.25 lakh school children will participate in this drive.
Environment and Forests Minister Imran Hussain reviewed the preparation for the mega plantation drive with the senior officials of concerned departments and greening agencies on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by all senior officers of the Environment and Forest departments, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), District Magistrates, SDMs, senior officers of the three MCDs, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Parks and Gardens Society, New Delhi Municipal Council(NDMC), Delhi Cantonment Board, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), CPWD, PWD; Education & Health Departments, DSIIDC, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and the Power Discoms.
“Delhi Government is seeking active participation of local residents, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, eco-clubs, school and college students etc., with the purpose to create awareness about air pollution and means to combat the adverse effects of air pollution by carrying out plantation,” said a Government's official.
It was also informed that the greening agencies have already communicated the details of sites or locations where the plantation will be carried out on Saturday.
Officers of the Forest Department informed the Environment minister that details of around 600 sites/locations spread all over Delhi have been uploaded on the website of the Forest Department.
A helpline with toll free no. 1800118600 has already started functioning for helping the general public to know the location of the plantation sites as per their convenience for participation in plantation drive on Saturday.
Hussain also asked the District Magistrates and Sub-Divisional Magistratesto coordinate and monitor plantation drive within their respective Districts. They were also also asked to ensure mobilization of residents, students, NGOs, Market Associations, Lions Club, Rotary Club.
It was also directed that feasibility of procuring machines for geo-tagging of plantation be explored at the earliest so as to trace and keep track of the survival of plantation.