Environment Minister Launches 15-Day Mega Plantation Drive to Increase Green Cover in Delhi

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched a 15-day mega plantation drive on Monday to increase the national capital's green cover. The 'Van Mahotsav,' which began on the Central Ridge, will conclude on July 25 with the planting of one lakh saplings at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, he said.

The 'Van Mahotsav' will be attended by Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other ministers.

On Monday, legislative assembly members (MLAs) will lead the drive in their respective constituencies.

The Centre had set a target of 28 lakh saplings for the Delhi government to plant in 2021-22. The city ultimately planted 35 lakh saplings.

According to the latest Forest Survey of India report, Delhi's green cover has increased in the last two years from 21.88 percent to 23.06 percent of its geographical area.

The campaign will also be carried out in Delhi's 70 assembly constituencies. "Work has begun on 10 hectares of land in the first phase to improve the environment of Delhi, and a further seven and a half thousand hectares will be restored under this campaign." "Lantana and Prosopis juliflora would be eradicated from the Central Ridge area," he said.

Tree planting is significant because it is linked to our fundamental need for good food and clean air to breathe. Aside from these necessities, they also protect biodiversity, conserve water, preserve soil, and regulate climate.

Tree Plantation helps to combat many environmental issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, desertification in semi-arid areas, and global warming, while also improving the beauty and balance of the environment. By trapping odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide, and ozone) and particulates in their leaves and bark, trees absorb odours and pollutant gases and filter particulates out of the air.