CM stresses on need to preserve ecological balance

New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said indiscriminate tree felling for executing developmental projects could disturb the ecological balance in the world.

''We all must strive hard to preserve ecological balance and inculcate awareness about environment conservation,'' she said, while speaking on the occasion of World Forestry Day organised at Asola Wildlife Sanctuary.

She said massive tree plantation in Delhi has been a priority for the Government, and in this endeavour, nine new city forests were being created at various places in here.

About 22,000 saplings would be planted in Raj Vidya Kendra. About 300 children from the Kendra participated in the tree plantation programme.

''We will have to face a strong challenge if concrete steps for preservation of ecology are not immediately taken,'' she said.

Secretary Environment J K Dadoo said as Forest Department intends to undertake plantation of fruit bearing trees in all parts the wild life sanctuary, plantations will be raised in the remaining areas during the next financial year also.

One such area identified to be covered next year is a patch of more than 180 bighas in village Sahurpur, which has recently been freed from encroachments.

UNI MMG SB BD1947