Delhi's Green Future: LG Saxena Pushes Massive Afforestation Drives

Lt Governor VK Saxena held a meeting to review afforestation efforts in Delhi. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) plans special drives to enhance the green cover in the Narela-Bawana area. Saxena directed the creation of layered plantations, Miyawaki forests, and seamless coordination for future green initiatives.

Lt Governor VK Saxena on Thursday reviewed the status of afforestation and green cover in Delhi, according to Raj Niwas officials.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) announced special drives to boost green cover in the Narela-Bawana area. The forest department and DDA will plant fruit-bearing trees in the Ridge and forest areas to enhance the ecosystem, officials said.

Raj Niwas officials reported that over 48 lakh trees and shrubs were planted in Delhi during 2022-23 and 89 lakh in 2023-24 under the LG's directives. Of these, DDA contributed 14.61 lakh trees.

This year, 67 lakh trees and shrubs have already been planted despite land shortages.

"Plantation will also be done along the boundary walls of schools and other institutional premises," the officials noted. Special drives in the Narela-Bawana area will focus on green belt areas designated in the master plan.

Saxena instructed the creation of layered plantations, Miyawaki forests, and aquatic forests to increase green coverage. The Green Layout Plan 2024-25 is to be made more comprehensive, the officials added.

Seamless coordination among the forest department, DDA, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for plantation drives was also stressed by Saxena.

(With inputs from agencies.)