Plant more local and fruit-bearing trees, L-G Baijal directs authorities
NEW DELHI: After a furore over plantation of ornamental trees in redeveloped colonies of New Moti Bagh and East Kidwai Nagar, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal on Friday directed agencies to plant saplings of more native and fruit-bearing species.
Baijal, while reviewing the preparedness of all greening agencies, directed them to plant 28 lakh saplings by September 30. “The L-G also advised to lay down uniform norms for the type of plantation that should be suitable for Delhi, so that all agencies can follow the same. He also said that emphasis should be given on planting native and fruit-bearing species,” a spokesperson from the L-G’S office said.
The agencies involved in the plantation campaigns include Delhi Development Authority (DDA), forest department, Public Works Department (PWD) and the state education department.
The L-G was informed that preparatory woks for plantation will be completed by July 7 and plantation of saplings will be done from July 8 to September 15.
With activists raising con- cerns over the poor condition of saplings being planted, Baijal also asked officials to connduct a third party audit. “Test audit of the plantations should be done by a third-party so as to check the survival of the saplings already planted,” a statement from Baijal’s office read.
The L-G also directed all green- ing agencies to launch an information, education and communication campaign within next 15 days by involving schools, RWAS and citizen groups.
“This campaign should particularly focus on post plantation care such as watering, weeding and maintenance, protection and so on,” the statement said.
All government departments have been asked to conduct plantation in their surroundings along with their officers and staffs. “The forest department must involve communities too through department concerned for the massive plantation drive. Also, the Delhi parks and garden society will organise workshops with the active participation of RWAS, while environment department will organize themebased competitions. The awareness campaigns will also be done through TV/FM Radio and print media,” the L-G’S office said.