Amid tree felling controversy in Capital, the Delhi Government on Thursday released “Forest Cover” statistics report. As per the report, Delhi has India's 0.04 per cent forest & tree cover. While the total forest and tree cover area is 305.4 square kilometre out of this, 113 square kilometre is only “Tree Cover” area.
The Delhi Government in its report stated that an increase in forest cover of rate 0.14 per cent and .037 per cent was recorded in year 2013-15 and 2015-17 respectively.
Interestingly, while trees are being cut at different places in Delhi, the Government also claimed increase in the forest cover from 20.6 percent to 25 per cent of the geographical area.
“If we consider the Government's plan to enhance green cover, ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will plant at least 25 lakh saplings annually, however the survival percentage is 65 per cent. Hence, expected green area by 2022 is 65 square kilometre, it further means that green area will be increased by 4.4 per cent,” the report said.
It is important to mention here that all civic agencies - Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board, discoms BSES will be the part of this programme.
“Government will achieve this target by free Distribution of Saplings Forest Department-3,50,000 with the help of Delhi Parks and Garden Society (DPGS)- 75,000”, the report stated.