On Monday, Delhi’s Environment and Forest Minister Shri Gopal Rai launched the second phase of tree plantation drive under winter action plan from Garhi Mandu near Shastri Park. Addressing the press after that, he said that more than 40 lakh saplings have been planted by the Government this year to make Delhi green. The Government has set the goal to plant 52 lakh saplings this year as well, which is being completed by green agencies of 21 related departments. About 77% of the target of tree plantation has been achieved. Apart from this, 50 lakh plants/shrubs are being planted by the New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC).
The Environment & Forest Minister said that due to the sincere efforts by the Kejriwal government, a continuous decline in pollution is being recorded. There has been a considerable increase in the green area (green cover) in Delhi, where the green area was 20% in the year 2013, it has increased to 23.06% in the year 2021.
Shri Gopal Rai stated, “Every year a tree plantation drive is carried out in the state under the Green Action Plan by the Government of Delhi. Due to this, Van Mahotsav was started from IARI Pusa on July 9 to give impetus to the tree plantation campaign. During the Van Mahotsav program, free medicinal plants were distributed to Delhiites, so that people could participate in promoting the green area of Delhi by planting trees in their homes.”
The Environment & Forest Minister stated that a tree plantation campaign is being conducted to increase the green belt of Delhi and to reduce the pollution levels within the national capital. In the second term of the Kejriwal government i.e. from the year 2020, since our government was formed, till 2022-23, 1.18 crore saplings have been planted. This year also our government has set a target of planting 52 lakh saplings. This target is being accomplished by the green agencies of all the 21 concerned departments. More than 40 lakh saplings have been planted this year, about 77% of the target of tree plantation has been achieved. Apart from this 50 lakh saplings/shrubs are being planted by the NDMC.
Shri Gopal Rai continued, “The second phase of tree plantation drive under winter action plan is starting from today. We appeal to all that everyone should join together in this tree plantation campaign. But I believe that if we all include tree planting into our culture and daily lives, we will be able to solve the pollution issue. The Delhi administration has begun work for the pollution issue that would arise during the winter months. Together, I have no doubt that we can successfully complete this tree-planting initiative and intensify our efforts to combat Delhi’s pollution.”
