Programmes, announcements mark World Environment Day in country

New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) Plans to protect the environment, increase green cover and ban manufacture of coloured plastic bags were unveiled on the occasion of World Environment Day today.

A series of programmes to spread awareness for preserving the environment were also held all over the country.

Union Minister for Environment and Forests A Raja today announced that private participation will also be sought in the field of environment conservation.

A law providing for participation of the industry in the restoration of degraded forest areas and community lands is almost ready and a Memorandum of Understanding in this connection will be signed next week, he added.

Mr Raja said involvement of the private sector had become a must for achieving the oals of bringing 33 per cent of the country's geographical area under forest cover. A large part of this area lies in arid and semi-arid regions. So the green cover is to be increased by tree plantation on farm and community land.

In Delhi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit planted a sapling at the central ridge at Sardar Patel Marg this morning.

To spread awareness about environmental issues among children, the National Bal Bhawan organised an environmental rally on the theme of 'Desert and Desertification' with the slogan 'Don't desert drylands'.

The Confederation of Indian industry, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests organised a colloquium on corporate responsibility in Environmental protection.

The PHDCCI was organising a Tree Planting Campaign at PHD House, where Ambassadors of the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Fiji and Sri Lanka were participating.

To observe the day, TV channel Animal Planet would telecast a series of programmes highlighting global wildlife and environmental issues.

On the occasion, the Discovery Channel, along with the British Council, launched UK-funded Indian films on 'Climate Change-An Untold Story' and announce the arrival of UK's wildscreen festival, the world's most prestigious wildlife festival, in India.

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