The VC of DDA emphasised the importance of ‘Earth day’. He urged children to plant as many trees as possible so that the nature can be protected
Vice-chairman, Delhi Development Authority, officers and school children from various schools, celebrated the Earth Day at Sanjay Van, one of the greens developed by DDA in south Delhi. They organised competitions for the school children and planted trees. Vice chairman after inspecting the water bodies planted a roheda tree. Painting competition was held followed by distribution of prizes. A short cultural programme was also organised.
The VC emphasised the importance of ‘Earth day’. According to him, it is celebrated to create awareness regarding ecological and environmental degradation so that the effects of the urbanisation leading to poor environment and extinction of the existing flora and fauna can be reduced. He asked the children to plant as many trees as possible so that the mother Earth can be protected from the onslaught of increasing number of vehicles, pollution, et al. He also emphasised on the importance of water bodies which help in restoring the depleting water table of a particular area.
Sanjay Van is spread over an area of 783 acres and is a part of ancient Aravali ridge forest. Growing population and invasive Vilaiti Keekar (Prospis Juliflora) led to the rapid degradation of the natural flora and fauna of this area. DDA in partnership with a voluntary organisation known as Working With Nature has been making concerted efforts to restore the reserved forest to its pristine form.
For the last four years, over a lakh native species like dhak, dhau, khejdi/jhand, desi keekar etc, have been grown and are being nurtured in the rocky terrain of the forest. The invasion of Vilaiti Keekar is also being controlled so that the native species can flourish. A medicinal tree forest is also raised with over 10,000 medical trees planted in an area that was previously under cultivation. This area had been home to native as well as rare migratory species like Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, among others.
With a few innovative and cost effective measures, the degraded and polluted water bodies have been turned into a very effective water harvesting structure with flowing water. The emptied water of Neela Hauz is being utilised to make additional water bodies. Treated water from STP on way to Hauz Khas is diverted via these ponds. As a result of de-silting, water bodies start gaining volume by the year end and cleaner water flows to the Hauz Khas by using gravitation and waterfalls. All these efforts have resulted in improved and voluminous water bodies with flowing water round the year. These have also become a source of bird sanctuary and water for plants.