The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Saturday launched what it termed was a “mass movement” to combat the “serious menace of air pollution” with what it claimed was the “biggest ever plantation drive in the history of this Capital city”.
More than five lakh trees and saplings were planted at 643 locations across Delhi with the support of students, individuals and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), the Delhi government said in a statement.
This drive, seemingly an attempt to break the stalemate and balance development with sustainability came in the wake of yet another tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre in regard to a contention related to the permission granted to the NBCC for the redevelopment of government colonies in south Delhi.
External regions
Addressing the gathering on the occasion at Garhi Mandu in north-east Delhi after planting a sapling himself, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Delhi is battling severe air pollution and we can feel the dust around us, all of us are responsible for this situation and now the onus is on all of us to resolve this.”
During the inaugural function of the plantation drive, Mr. Kejriwal, who termed the occasion a “festive” one said, “Even though 70% of Delhi’s pollution is attributed to external regions, it should not stop us from playing our part.” This was supported by Minister of Labour Gopal Rai, who even appealed to the youth to increase the use e-vehicles for their commute.
More than 6,000 children, volunteers, NGOs, RWAs & villagers participated in the mass plantation drive and about 60,000 plants had been planted at the venue and in adjoining areas till 2 p.m., the government’s statement said.
Environment and Forests Minister Imran Hussain led the plantation drive at Jaunapur forests here. About 75,000 plants were planted up to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, Transport and Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot presided over the plantation drive at Mitraon City Forest in Najafgarh, where 6,200 saplings were planted up to 2 pm. The plantation drive continued at all locations till evening.
Average growth success
Any saplings once planted must be preserved till it attains a maturity of certain level, said senior Forest Department officials.
Talking to The Hindu on the sidelines of the function, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden Ishwar Singh said, “The success ratio of saplings planted in previous plantation drives has been around 75%.”
He, further, added that the success ratio depends upon natural as well as anthropogenic factors. “Hence, periodic monitoring and fencing is indispensable for the successful growth,” he said.
