Noida Authority to plant over 5,500 saplings across city

In line with the slogan 'Green Noida, Clean Noida', the Noida Authority will plant 5,570 saplings in various residential sectors and parks across the city on Saturday. Noida Authority Chief Executive Officer Amit Mohan Prasad will flag off the drive.

"We have decided to undertake the green drive after a discussion with the district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar and other senior officials of Noida Authority.

"We are going to plant 5,570 saplings in various sectors and parks of Noida. These will be monitored and

directed by the officials from parks department" said a senior official from the authority.

The plantation drive will take place in sectors 100, 120, 119, 135, 77, 50, 122, National Highway-24 roundabout among other areas.

Environmental activists across the city welcomed the move by the authorities.

"Plantation of trees is important, but it is more important that these trees are maintained and allowed to grow and thrive.

"Tree cutting in Noida and Greater Noida has become a menace. Due to intense construction activities and illegal encroachments, axing of trees is done at a very large rate. The authority should also seek a way out prevent this," Vikrant Tongad, founder of Social Action for Forests and Environment, said.

The move is primarily aimed at reducing the air pollution in the city, caused mainly due to motor vehicles.