By IANS,
New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday launched the annual plantation drive during which one million saplings will be planted in the capital.
Dikshit was joined by 400 school children and east Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit on the Yamuna River bank.
“The plantation on the bank of river Yamuna is a step forward in the direction of protection of the river bank against erosion, expansion of green cover and addition to the aesthetic value of the river,” Dikshit said in a statement.
As per the latest Forest Survey of India report 2011, the green cover of Delhi has increased to about 296.20 sq km in 2009 from 26 sq km in 1997.
The plantation drive in the entire stretch would be completed by Aug 15.
The sapling of ornamental and valuable fruits like Amaltas, Gulmohar, Jakranda, Milletia, Jamun, Amla, Aam, Bahera Shisham, Neem, Arjun, Pilkhan, Peepal, Bargad are being planted on the stretch.