City forests will reduce pollution, improve ecological balance: CM

New Delhi, Aug 16 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said the city forests being developed in the city under the aegis of the state Government's Department of Forests and Wildlife would reduce pollution levels apart from improving the ecological balance in the Capital.

Inagurating the development of a new city forest at Ghazipur Hindon Cut, she said the Capital's forests, 14 of which already existed in various parts of the city and nine others were in the process of being set up, would be the new lungs for Delhi.

Speaking at the function, where a large number of school children and jawans of Rapid Action Force joined her in planting saplings, Ms Dikshit said children can play a vital role as environment ambassadors.

She also appreciated the role of school children who have been instrumental in making eco-clubs successful.

The city forest being developed at Ghazipur Hindon Cut is yet another addition to the existing' green lungs in the Metropolis of Delhi. The proposed city forest spreads over an area of 9.33 Acres at Ghazipur Hindon Cut for carrying out compensatory plantation in lieu of the proposal cleared by the Department under the Delhi Preservation of Tree Act, 1994 for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Due planning has been carried out to allot areas for woodland, wetland ecosystem, peripheral plantation, paths, grasslands etc.

With the prime objective of a source of carbon sink, control various pollutant for abatement of pollution, biodiversity conservation, creating habitat for the migratory birds, groundwater recharge, place for urban recreation etc.

The main tree species at the city forest are Jamun, Holoptelia, Aegle, Bahera, Ficus Species, Arjun, Neem, Jamun, Bombax Ceiba, Bamboo, Amla, Cassia Fistular, Anogeissus, Butea Monospermum, Prosopis Cineraria, Dalbergia Spp., Sirus etc.

On the occasion, Delhi Environment Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit,local MLA Brahmpal and environment Secretary Amrish Gautam were also present.

UNI