Publicise plantation drive to improve people's participation: CM to agencies

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday directed the various government agencies in the Capital involved in the mega plantation drive this monsoon to publicise the programme, adding that people should be aware of the drive as without them no such drive can achieve be successful.

A Delhi government official said, "All agencies participating in the drive, including Forest, Environment, Education, Health, Power and Public Works Departments, the MCDs, NDMC, DSIIDC, CPWD, Delhi Jal Board, BSES, Northern Railways, DTC, DMRC, DUSIB and Delhi Cantonment Board were present in the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the drive."

They briefed Kejriwal and other members of the Delhi Cabinet on their preparedness, the number of trees and shrubs to be planted by each agency and the arrangements for the day of mega plantation drive.

Kejriwal told agencies present in the meeting that it has to be a people-oriented programme and the residents of Delhi must be aware of it.

"Publicise the programme massively. People should be aware of the drive and the nearest location of the plantation. Without the people of Delhi, no such drive can achieve the success we want," he observed.

"Involve RWAs, market associations, school children and their parents in the drive. Make it a mass movement. We have to reach the grassroots to make it a grand success, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further said.

The Chief Minister also directed that a helpline be issued for the drive and publicised so that people may call and check the nearest location for participation.

He also directed that various clubs be also involved in the drive to improve public participation.

The topic of post-plantation care was also raised during the meeting.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that all the plants should be geo-tagged and regular monitoring should be done. He also said that a monthly report on the same should be submitted to him.

The responsibility for the survival of the plantation would rest with the respective greening agency.

The Forest Department, headed by minister Imran Husssain, would be the nodal point for coordination of all such activities.

Kejriwal said that agencies like Fishery Survey of India and Forest Research Institute should be involved in the project for requirements of the Forest Department in taking care of and monitoring the saplings.