New greening initiative by Delhi Metro

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) In keeping with its commitment to maintain the city's greenery, Delhi Metro Rail Corp has adopted a new policy to plant one tree in the vicinity of every tree that has to be cut for construction of the metro project.

This was in addition to the policy of planting ten trees in different locations for every tree that had to be felled, DMRC today said.

DMRC had also decided to plant trees that grew up to the height of seven to nine feet for better survival as it was felt that trees that shorter trees were in danger of being destroyed.

Under the 'one-for-one' policy, 145 trees were planted last month next to the station at Pragati Maidan which had shown a survival rate of over 90 per cent.

For Phase-II, contractors would be made responsible for implementing the 'one-for-one' policy and maintaining the trees for three years. Trees would be planted near Race Course, Jor Bagh, INA and other Metro stations also under this scheme.

As a special greening initiative, the DMRC had also planted 9,822 trees this year while another 5,000 would be planted after the monsoon season over and above the statutory requirement. Trees were planted in Nangloi, Shastri Park depot and Khyber Pass depot.

The species planted include 'Neem', 'Pilkhan', 'Alstonia' and 'Ashok'.

This was in addition to the compensatory afforestation programme of planting ten trees for every tree that had to be cut which was carried out by the Forest Department. DMRC has paid Rs 1.74 crore to the Forest Department for the compensatory afforestation.

DMRC was also taking pains to save every tree possible. As an illustration, the alignment at Race Course was slightly changed so that 15 trees could be saved. In addition, it had also been decided not to cut trees on land that had been acquired temporarily or for diversions.

For Phase-I, DMRC received permission from the Forest Department to cut 11,776 trees. However, only 9,876 trees were cut by making adjustments, thus saving 1,900 trees.

DMRC had also planted 17,248 shrubs, including species such as 'Bottle Brush' and 'Champa', mostly on the central verge of roads.

On the sides of roads, shady trees such as 'Ashok' and 'Alstonia' were being planted.

DMRC had received the prestigious ISO 14001 certificate for its Environment Management System from RINA, Geneva.

UNI