The Hindu : New Delhi News : Compensatory afforestation gets a boost

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Friday, Jul 16, 2010
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New Delhi

Compensatory afforestation gets a boost

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

Nod for greening of 23 hectares of land in Aya Nagar

NEW DELHI: A -level high powered committee of the Delhi Government has cleared the ambitious project to green 23 hectares of land in Aya Nagar and this site specific proposal is expected to take off soon and will see phase wise greening, maintenance and fencing of the area. This project to be undertaken by the Environment Department will help various agencies with the compensatory afforestation that they are required to undertake for cutting down trees while undertaking development works.

“We have been instructed to green 52 hectares of land in Aya Nagar but since the funds haven't been released we will be doing area specific plantation now. In 23 hectares, we will be planting native species that will be able to thrive well in Delhi's weather conditions. Delhi has lost some if its green cover owing to the cutting of trees due to Metro work and construction work relating to Commonwealth Games. The Environment Department had set a target to start plantation in the area keeping the monsoons in mind and to ensure that the saplings get a good chance to survive. We have already floated tenders for the programme,” said Conservator of Forests D.M. Shukla.

In January this year the Capital received Rs 1.8 crore from the Centre as the first instalment under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority for the programme. A senior Environment official added, “The area is in a degraded condition and needs to be worked upon. The aim of the project should be to ensure that the saplings survive and provide the green cover lost. The Department will also need to keep a constant check.”

Added Professor Emeritus University of Delhi Prof. C.R. Babu: “The plants selected are all native species which we are sure will do well. As the pollution levels increase and we are facing the threat of global warning this is a vital piece of work that is being done for the green lung of the city. The Department will, however, have to work towards ensuring that the saplings survive well and grow into trees.”

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