Delhi has distributed 1.5 lakh saplings so far: Govt
In a scenario where the world was grappling with the harsh realities of the climate crises; the citizens and respective governments of Delhi had been commendably working against all odds to increase the green cover of Delhi for the last 27 years. In 2020, the Covid-19 global pandemic threw an important revelation on the ecological function of forested habitats as buffers to decrease the likelihood of spread of animal pathogens to human beings.
This could not emphasize more the role of trees and forests as the true guardians of life on earth. Hence it becomes even more imperative for governments and citizens to join hands to protect the environment, forests and trees.
Van Mahotsav has traditionally been an effective means of involving citizens in the greening of our earth and its conservation. The Department of Environment and Forests, Government of NCT of Delhi organized a Vriskhropan Pakwada or Tree planting fortnight from the 10th to 26th of July 2020 to mark the Van Mahotsav, 2020.
The fortnight was inaugurated with a ceremonial plantation on July 10 by Gopal Rai, the Minister Environment and Forests wherein plantations was done by the Minister and all senior officials of the forest department followed by token distribution of seedlings present at the site.
13 medicinal plant species specially identified for their immunity-boosting properties against Covid-19 are being distributed free of cost from the various nurseries of the forest department spread across the state.
Further to highlight that increase of green cover and planting of trees is a duty of all citizens; all Ministers of Delhi are a part of the Vriskhropan Pakwada and ceremonial plantings and token distribution of trees was done by Manish Sisodia, Dy CM on July 13.
So far more than 1,50000 seedlings have been distributed from all the nurseries of the forest department across Delhi and more than 50,000 seedlings planted by the forest department alone.
