Delhi to have a Tree Authority

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today agreed to a proposal to set up a Tree Authority to make up the loss of trees cut for various infrastructural projects in the capital.

In a meeting with representatives of NGOs and prominent citizens, where concern was expressed over cutting of trees for the construction of High Capacity Bus System corridor in the city, she also agreed to set up a Tree Authority under Tree Protection Act that would develop a joint mechanism to make up the loss of cut trees in a planned manner.

A memorandum was presented to the chief minister seeking clear marking of trees, monitoring tree health, on site compensatory afforestation and development of dedicated tree lanes.

During the discussions Ms Dikshit reiterated commitment of her government to plant at least ten trees on cutting of one tree for development purposes.

She said all efforts would be made to compensate tree cutting at same place, however, compensatory afforestation would be ensured at other available places.

Appreciating the concern shown by NGOs and citizens, she sought their help in protection of trees. The chief minister also instructed the state environment department to have regular consultations with NGOs concerned.

The environment department officials also presented a detail of its efforts towards making Delhi the greenest capital city in the world.

It was informed in the meeting that the original proposal received from the transport department in respect of HCBS project involved permission for cutting of 3,928 trees whereas the department during processing of the proposal restricted to the number of trees to be felled at 1,376.

It was stated that during 2006-07, 17.86 lakh saplings were planted against target of 17.11 lakh. Nine new city forest were being developed and compensatory plantation in a total area of 262 hectare in Isapur, Hirankudna, Rewla Khanpur, Kharkhari Jatmal, Sultanpur Dabas, Kungeshpur, Kutubgarh, Auchandi and Harewali had been planned.

Apart from this plantation in temple premises, around water bodies, road dividers and round abouts was also been taken up.

The efforts made by government for increasing the green cover by the active involvement of students through 1,600 eco-clubs, RWAs through Bhagidari and government departments had resulted in increase of green cover from 26 sq km in 1997 to more than 330 sq km in 2006.

Delhi Environment Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan and Secretary Environment and Principal Secretary Transport were present at the occasion.

UNI