Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083054130400.htm

New Delhi

Drive to make Delhi greener

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: During her visit to New York for three days in September, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit would inform the international community how planting of one million saplings every year has resulted in expansion of the city’s green area and made it arguably the greenest Capital city in the world.

Speaking at the inauguration of a plantation drive at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on Friday, Ms. Dikshit said the credit for the success of the plantation drive goes to school children who have contributed substantially through more than 2,000 eco-clubs functioning in various educational institutions. Ms. Dikshit also lauded the role played by Army personnel in undertaking a major project of greening Bhati mines in South Delhi by planting over seven lakh saplings there over a five-year period. The Chief Minister informed that 18 agencies were involved in the greening exercise in Delhi. Her government for its part had developed 32 city forests that have ensured clean air and soothing natural ambience.