children our environment ambassadors: Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi, Nov 30 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said children in the capital are working as environment ambassadors to make the city clean, green and pollution-free.

This would go a long way in inspiring elders to concentrate on environmental issues, she said speaking at the inaugural ceremony of an Eco-Fair on eco-friendly products prepared by various eco-clubs functioning in schools and colleges of Delhi and number of environment NGOs.

She also declared open a two-day annual Eco-Meet at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here, where an exhibition had also been organised.

Environment Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan presided over the function.

She called upon youth to come forward in protection of environment, which was facing a great challenge with rapid urbanisation.

Ms Dikshit said ''we would be able to make a cleaner and greener Delhi only with constructive contribution of younger generation who would also become role model for the entire society in this field.'' Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chauhan said objective of this meet was to interact with the students, teachers of various participating schools and colleges on environmental issues of Delhi.

He appreciated substantial contribution of all the 1,600 eco-clubs for highlighting environmental concerns on the forefront and bringing down pollution levels in Delhi.

Number of useful eco-friendly products were put up in the exhibition. Various products made from recycled paper had been prepared by school students. Besides, attractive bags of different kind made from jute, cloth and paper were also exhibited.

The exhibition would also disseminate information on solid waste management, vermin-composting, zero garbage, rain water harvesting, water conservation, plantation drive, energy conservation and curbing air, noise and water pollution.

Involvement of school children in environmental awareness programmes had been ensured by establishing eco-clubs in schools and colleges in Delhi. So far, about 1,600 eco-clubs had been set up.

Various campaigns such as 'Greening Delhi' 'Anti fire Crackers', 'Say no to plastic Bags', 'Clean city', 'Khelo Holi naturally' were being conducted by involving these clubs. 17 paper-recycling machines had already been provided in leading eco-club schools.

Due to the efforts of the various greening agencies as well as massive involvement of the eco-clubs students and teachers, Delhi's green cover had increased from 26 sq km in 1997 to 268 sq km in 2003 which had further gone up to more than 320 sq km today, he said.

It was more than 19 per cent of the total geographical area of Delhi. It was evident that green cover of Delhi had increased ten times within six years. This year the target for plantation was 17.11 lakh saplings and about 15 lakh had already been planted till October 31, 2006, he added.

The chief minister also gave away prizes to the winners of a painting competition on environment.

UNI IP YA VC1842