The Delhi Forest Department is preparing for a large plantation drive in June under its Green Action Plan to increase the city’s green cover. Officials said around five lakh saplings will be planted across different parts of Delhi during the campaign.
The drive will mainly focus on urban and semi-urban areas where open spaces have reduced due to rapid urbanisation over the years. Authorities said the initiative is aimed at improving the environment and helping reduce pollution and rising temperatures in the city.
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What is the plantation drive about
The forest department plans to monitor the plantation of nearly five lakh saplings across Delhi. The drive is part of a broader plan to expand green spaces and improve ecological balance in the city.
How many sites have been identified
According to a Hindustan Times report, officials said 1,060 plantation sites had been identified across Delhi till May 7. These include roadsides, institutions, vacant public spaces and other suitable locations for increasing green cover.
What kind of saplings will be planted
According to a Hindustan Times report, officials say that native and environment-friendly species are likely to be prioritised during the plantation exercise. Authorities said this would help ensure better survival rates and long-term ecological benefits suited to Delhi’s climate.
How will the plantation drive be monitored
A centralised “green war room” will be created to monitor the plantation campaign in real time. Officials said the war room will coordinate among agencies, track plantation progress and monitor the survival rate of saplings after planting.
What is Delhi’s overall plantation target
Under the Green Action Plan, Delhi’s plantation target for the season has been fixed at 70 lakh saplings. Around 50 lakh saplings will be planted by 20 designated agencies, while the remaining 20 lakh saplings will be distributed free to residents to encourage public participation.
Officials told PTI that the centralised “green war room” will monitor plantation work, coordinate with different agencies involved in the drive and track the survival rate of saplings after plantation. Authorities said the system will also help departments identify maintenance gaps and ensure accountability among agencies responsible for plantation and upkeep.
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The plantation drive is part of efforts to increase Delhi’s green cover during the current plantation season. Officials said the monitoring mechanism will track plantation work, monitor sapling survival rates and coordinate among agencies involved in the campaign.
