Delhi govt to plant native trees at Asola Wildlife Sanctuary

In order to save biodiversity and make tree plantation more efficient, the Delhi government has decided to plant native trees instead of exotic species in the city. According to a senior official, Delhi Tourism has partnered with ‘Delhi I Love You’, a social movement, and Conservation Education Centre (CEC) to plant 1,000 trees of 22 native species of Delhi Seed Bank on August 15. Plantation of native trees will be conducted at Asola Wildlife Sanctuary.

The plantation drive aims to draw attention to the significance of indigenous trees. In the past, exotic trees have been “over-planted” and species like <g data-gr-id="28">Vilayati</g> Kikar have invaded Delhi with alarming speed, the official said.

“Protecting and promoting the cultivation of indigenous species is critical because it means planting trees that are already adapted to the environment. They do not need any extra water or nutrients. There <g data-gr-id="34">is</g> a huge awareness and sensitisation gap on this issue that needs to be addressed in Delhi.

“Actions need to be taken fast to save Delhi’s biodiversity. Awareness campaigns and plantation events in this line are a small step to conserve these native trees but when the chain of these events starts happening continuously, it will bring about positive and notable effects,” Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said.

Mishra, who also holds the charge of Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, instructed DJB’s horticulture department to make use of native trees to save the biodiversity.