The Delhi government has announced a mega plantation drive, which began on February 26th, with a target of planting 52 lakh trees and shrubs in the city. The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from a location near Shastri Park. The plantation drive usually starts in the monsoon season, but the large number of trees required an early start, according to Environment Minister Gopal Rai at a press conference.
The Delhi forest department will plant 12 lakh trees and 6 lakh shrubs, while the remaining saplings will be planted by various agencies and departments of the Delhi government. Last year, a total of 47 lakh trees and shrubs were planted, exceeding the target of 42 lakh.
In addition to the plantation drive, the AAP government will set up a panel to conduct site suitability analysis before taking up the plantation exercise to improve the survival rate of the saplings. The government has also asked all concerned agencies to get a third-party audit of the tree plantation done in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The plantation drive is part of the Delhi government’s efforts to increase green cover in the city and combat air pollution. The government has taken several steps to improve the city’s air quality, including the introduction of an electric vehicle policy, a tree transplantation policy, and the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle air pollution during the winter months.
The Delhi government’s tree transplantation policy, launched in 2018, mandates the transplantation of trees affected by development projects to other locations. The policy has been hailed as a unique initiative and has been adopted by several other states in India.
According to the Delhi government’s Green Budget report, the city’s green cover increased by 13% in the last five years. The government aims to increase the green cover to 33% by 2023. The government has also launched several initiatives to increase awareness among citizens about the importance of trees and the need to protect them.
The plantation drive is expected to provide several benefits, including reducing air pollution, providing a habitat for birds and animals, and reducing the impact of heat waves. Trees and shrubs absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment.
The Delhi government’s efforts to increase green cover in the city have been praised by environmentalists and citizens alike. However, there have been concerns about the survival rate of the saplings and the need for proper maintenance and care. The government has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the survival and growth of the saplings.
The Delhi government’s mega plantation drive is a significant initiative aimed at increasing the green cover in the city and combating air pollution. The initiative, which began on February 26th, aims to plant 52 lakh trees and shrubs in the city. The government’s efforts to increase green cover in the city have been praised, but there is a need for proper maintenance and care to ensure the survival and growth of the saplings.
