At a time when Delhi is reeling under poor air quality which is adversely affecting the health of its citizens, Delhi has roped in Resident Welfare Associations and schools in the city for massive plantation by constituting eco clubs. According to the government sources, so far five thousand eco clubs have been constituted to plant saplings in their respective areas under a project of the Delhi government to plant one million tree saplings by the end of the year.
“Several private schools including Delhi Public School, Sanskriti School and 2,000 government schools have formed eco clubs to contribute in the plantation drive. Besides, 3,000 RWAs have also constituted eco clubs in their areas and are actively participating in plantation,” said a senior officer of Department of Wildlife and Forest Conversation, Delhi government.
The RWAs have been given a target to plant 50,000 saplings which are mainly indigenous plants as per the ecological conditions of Delhi. “We are not planting shrubs but only long life trees in our drive,” he added. Further, with the aid of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) coordination with hotels and industrial units is also sought to use their large areas for planting trees. The DSIIDC which has a large landholding have been given a target of planting 50,000 saplings. According to experts, the plantation will not only help in cleaning the air but also in reviving the water levels in certain parts of the city especially, in the South-west areas which have low groundwater reserves.
So far, the drive is being conducted in East, North-East, South and South-west Delhi. The government is, however, planning to include maximum possible areas and open lands of various departments and government agencies to cover maximum open space with green. “A plantation drive was also started in the ridge area to arrest deforestation and improve green cover in Delhi,” added the officer. The ridge area of Delhi mainly has plants of single variety – Australian Acacia — and the government has a target to plant saplings of indigenous origin which are more beneficial in terms of air cleaning besides providing fruits and of medicinal importance.
According to officials with Delhi expected to have a good rainfall this season, the talks of including more stakeholders to be a part of eco club is in process.