Delhi Enhances Green Cover by Planting 2.5 Crore Trees in Four Years

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a significant increase in the city's green cover, attributing it to the planting of approximately 2.5 crore saplings over the past four years. Amidst the escalating temperatures in the national capital, this initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate air pollution and address the heat wave challenges. A meeting was convened on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of a 12-point summer action plan, a strategic approach formulated by the Delhi government under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's leadership.

Officials reported that representatives from over 25 agencies gathered at the Delhi Secretariat, led by Rai, to strategize on making the tree plantation campaign a success. This campaign is a cornerstone of the government's action plan to enhance the city's green spaces. Rai highlighted that Delhi's green cover has seen a notable increase from 20% in 2013 to 23.6% in 2021. He emphasized that expanding green cover is a primary solution to combat the record-breaking temperatures experienced in Delhi and across India over the last month and a half.

The commitment to plant two crore saplings within five years was one of the ten guarantees made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the last election campaign. Rai proudly announced that this goal had been surpassed within four years, with over 2.5 crore saplings planted across Delhi, thanks to collaboration with more than 25 greening agencies.

For the current year, Rai disclosed an ambitious target set by the Delhi government to plant and distribute 64 lakh saplings. This initiative includes planting 24.83 lakh larger plants and 31.57 lakh shrubs, alongside distributing 7.74 lakh saplings at no cost to Delhi residents. The forest department is tasked with planting the majority of these saplings, contributing 20.40 lakh to the total count. Other significant contributors include the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), education department, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Rai commended all agencies involved for their efforts towards making Delhi pollution-free and enhancing its green cover annually. He noted that these efforts have positioned Delhi as the leading city in India in terms of per capita forest cover. Rai also encouraged Delhiites to participate in this green initiative by planting trees at their homes, with the government providing free medicinal plants from its nurseries.

The distribution plan for this year includes over 7.74 lakh plants being given away for free, with allocations from various departments such as the forest department, Delhi Parks and Garden Society, CPWD, and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board. Additionally, Rai has directed forest department officials to compile details of tree plantations from various departments and instructed concerned departments to conduct third-party audits to assess the survival rate of planted saplings.

This comprehensive approach not only aims at enhancing Delhi's green cover but also involves community participation and accountability measures to ensure the longevity and success of this environmental initiative.