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DELHI AND ITS FORESTS

Delhi, the National Capital, is bounded by Uttar Pradesh on the East and by Haryana on North, South and West. Delhi State seems overwhelmingly green, however, the green cover is not uniformly distributed as some parts have considerable greenery than the others. The New Delhi and South Districts are much greener compared to other Districts. As per the State of Forest Report, 2001, Delhi has 151 Sq. Km. as Forest and Tree Cover that is 111.33 Sq. Km and 40 sq. Km. respectively which constitutes only 10.2% of the Delhis geographical area of 1,483 Sq. Km. Delhi ranks 15th among the States and UTs in the country. The district wise forest cover of Delhi is given below.

DISTRICT WISE FOREST COVER OF DELHI

(Area in Sq. Km.) District Central Delhi East Delhi New Delhi North Delhi North East Delhi North West Delhi South Delhi South West Delhi West Delhi Total Geographic Area 24.68 63.76 34.90 59.16 60.29 440.31 249.85 420.54 129.52 1,483.00 Forest Area 2.27 1.57 9.73 3.18 1.85 8.37 52.51 30.09 1.76 111.33 Percentage of Forest Cover 9.20 2.46 27.88 5.38 3.07 1.90 21.02 7.16 1.36 7.51

(Source: State of Forest Report: 2001 (Forest Survey of India, Dehradun ) Note: In addition there is a tree cover of 40 Sq. Km., which includes areas of less than 1 ha. The Govt. of NCT Delhi is committed to make Delhi greener and protect its forest resources. The Greening Action Plan is an attempt to bring together all Greening Agencies and People in this endeavour. The greening of Delhi is possible only with the support of people particularly Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), Educational Institutions, students, NGOs, Industries, farmers, market traders associations etc.

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IMPORTANCE OF FOREST & TREES:

Forests Times: in Ancient

Forests are life support system of nature that sustains all life form on the earth, which was realised by our ancestors. In ancient time emperors like Ashoka, Shershah Suri have planted trees that offered shade along the roads and community places such as wells, ponds, temples, and sarais. Sher Shah Suri set a fine example by planting trees along the Grand Trunk Road, stretching from the Indus to Sonargaon. The Mughals laid down a number of their beautiful gardens in Delhi, six of which still exist. The Jahanara Garden or Queens Garden around Town Hall, Qudsia Bagh near the Interstate Bus Terminus(ISBT), Roshanara Gardens near Shakti Nagar, Shalimar Bagh and Beriwala Bagh near Azad Market. British Govt. also made extensive efforts to develop green areas in Delhi. Trees have special place in our lives since ancient times. Pipal and Banyan trees have been the objects of worship amongst the Hindus. Sita Ashok so named, after Sita favoured it amongst all others to sit beneath, and whose crimson red blossoms, burning bright embers, she implored for, to put an end to her agony in Panchavati. Lord Shiva has his own favourite Bel tree, without the leaves and fruit of which no Shiva prayer is complete. Or can we forget the Kadam, with its yellow laddu like fragrant blossoms providing shade by the banks of the Yamuna for the trysts of Lord Krishna.

Present Scenario:
Shri. K.M. Munshi, said, Trees have a rightful place in the economy of every country. Our forests are inexhaustible reserves for providing subsistence to our growing millions; for trees mean water, water means bread and bread means life. Due to mounting pressure on forest resources in view of developmental needs, our country has much less of its forest area than is required to maintain ecological & environmental stability and security. As per the National Forest Policy, 1988, one third of the countrys total geographical area is required to be under Forest Cover. Now the focus has been shifted from commercial exploitation of forest wealth to their conservation. Conservation of Forests has assumed greater significance in view of dependence of vast rural population. The per capita availability of Forests in the country is 0.065 ha which is much below than the global average. Our country has recorded forest area of 23.38%, however as per assessment given in the State of Forest Report, 2001, the Forest & Tree Cover is 20.55%.
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Ecological and Social Functions of Forests:

Forests provide a wide range of environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits and services to mankind. The main functions are as below: Forests enhance physical environment and landscapes. Controls environmental pollution viz. air, water and noise. Cleans the air by providing life sustaining oxygen and filters particulate matters from the air. Absorbs Carbon Di Oxide. Conserves soil & moisture, improves soil fertility and acts as a moderator of climate. Green areas attract rains and facilitate groundwater recharge. Meets livelihood needs of the poor. Provides opportunities for eco-tourism and space for recreational needs of people. Degradation of forests adversely affects socio-economic status of local people. Conserves endemic biodiversity. Acts as an effective wind breaks and checks desertification.

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City Forests under Forest Department

There are 14 City Forests being developed and managed in Delhi by Forest Department. The details of City Forest are given below in Table-2. TABLE-2: City Forests S. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Name of City Forests Nasirpur City Forest Alipur City Forest Hauzrani City Forest Mitraon City Forest Sultanpur City Forest Ghumenhera City Forests Ghoga City Forest Shahapur Garhi City Forest Mamurpur City Forest Jindpur City Forest Mukhmelpur City Forest Bawana City Forest Garhi Mandu City Forest Anand Vihar City Forest Area in ha. 28 16.80 28.80 40.00 48 32 10.40 8.00 56 47.60 53 32 300 32 District South-West North-West South South-West North-West South-West North-West North-West North-West North-West North-West North-West North-East East

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Chapter-II

FOREST COVER
Delhi has 111 sq. km of forest cover and 40 sq. km. of tree cover against the geographical area of 1483 sq. km, representing only 10.2% of total land area of the city. Government of NCT of Delhi is committed for increasing the Green Cover, as a result, there has been significant increase in Forest cover in Delhi in the last few years. However, much needs to be done to increase it further. The forest and tre cover of Delhi since 1993 is given in table-3 Table-3: Forest & Tree Cover of Delhi Assessment Year Forest & Percentage of Tree Cover Geographical Area 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 22 26 26 88 151 1.48 1.75 1.75 5.93 10.2

Towards achieving the aim of bringing 33% of the geographical area under Forest cover as envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988 sustained and extensive efforts are required on the part of Greening agencies. First Greening Action Plan in the year 1997 - 98, brought different greening agencies together for a coordinated approach on afforestation. The Greening Action Plan 2005-06 attempts to accelerate further the momentum of afforestation in Delhi. It calls for united and sustained efforts from the Government agencies as well as public. Achievement of plantation by all greening agencies during last 5 years is given in the following table-4. Table-4: Achievement of plantation during last 5 years.

Year 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04

Target 9.30 9.00 9.85 10.50

Achievement 9.38 9.10 9.16 11.44

2004-05

12.54

13.53

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STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GREEN COVER:

Some of the important points required to be considered while taking up of planitation of trees are given below. Identification of areas for afforestation by concerned agencies/ public & proper planning of plantation activities. Site preparation for plantation. Selection of species suited to the plantation site/ localities Raising of sufficient saplings in nurseries. Application of modern technology for raising saplings, Use of organic composts and root trainers in place of polythene bags. Protection of existing trees. Leaving of sufficient space atleast 6 ft x 6 ft around the tree trunks along the avenues to protect them from choking due to tiling and black topping Planting of tall & healthy saplings and transplantation of suitable trees. Protection of plants from biotic interference by putting fencing/ tree guards. Post Plantation care particularly the maintenance & regular watering. Regular monitoring

SELECTION OF SPECIES FOR PLANTATION BASED ON REQUIREMENT:

Plants suitable for controling Air Pollution: Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Albizzia lebbek (Siris), Cassia fistula (Amaltas), Zizyphus jujuba (Ber), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Tamarindus indica (Imli), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Butea monosperma (Dhak), Ficus glomerata (Gular), Ficus infectoria (Pilkhan), Alstonia scholaris (Chitvan/ Chattaun), Acacia nilotica (Desi kikar). Species suitable for area where gaseous pollutants are dominant are Acacia nilotica (Desi kikar), Aegle marmelos (Bel), Ailanthus excelsa (Ulloo neem), Albizzia lebbek (Siris), Alstonia scholaris (Sataun), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Ficus infectoria (Pilkhan), Lagerstroemia flosreginae, Mimusops elengi (Maulsiri), Nerium indicum (Kaner). Plants suitable for checking Noise Pollution & suspended particulate matters: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Cassia fistula (Amaltas), Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Ficus infectoria (Pilkhan), Mimusops elengi (Maulsiri), Ficus glomerata (Gular), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun), Kigelia pinnata, Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba (Semul), Cassia nodusa, Cassia javanica, Jacaranda mimosaefolia.

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Plant species for Roadside:

Sl.No. Botanical Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Cedrela Toona Ficus infectoria Koelreuteria apiculata Peltaforum species Schleichera trijuga Chukarassia tabularis Swietenia mahogany Sterculia alata (Var. diversifolia) Alstonia scholaris Kigelia pinnata Terminalia arjuna Pterospermum acerifolium Cassia fistula Putranjiva roxburghii Grevillea robusta Barringtonia acutangula Azadirachta Indica Terminalia balerica Bishchoefia javanica Sarraca asoka Sita Asoka Neem Bahera Arjan Kanak Champa Amaltas jiya pota Silver oak Chhataun Mahagony Kusum Local Name Tun Pilkhan

16. 17.

Michelia champaca Erythrina suberosa

Lawn & Gardens:

Sl. No. Botanical Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Chukrassia tabularis Alstonia scholaris Cassis fistula Lagerstroemia thorelli Callistemon laceolatus Koelreuteria apiculata Jacaranda mimosaefolia Cassia javanica Mimusops elengii Barringtonia acutangula Schleichera trijuga Putranjiva roxburghii Sapium sebiferum Azardirachta indica Polyalthia longifolia Aegle marmelos Ficus religiosa Cinnamomum camphora Terminalia Chebula Terminalia balerica Ficus Glomerata Cassia glauca Tabernaemontana coronaria Lagerstroemia indica Hamelia patens Bougainvillea Poinciana pulcherrima Cestrum nocturnum Nerium oleander Hibiscus Gardenia florida Murraya Lausonia indica Acalypha Gandhraj Kashipatta Mehndi Rat ki Rani Chandni Makhan tree Neem Asok Bael Pipal Camphor Harar Bahera Gular Kusum Maulsari Jacaranda Chataun Amaltas Local Name

Plant species for lanes/ streets:

Sl.No. Botenical Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Cassia fistula Lagerstroemia thorelli Pongamia glabra Callistemon lanceolatus Grevillea robusta Aegle marmelos Hollarrhena pubescens Wirightia tinctoria Nyctanthes arbortristis Lagerstroemia speciosa Syzygium cumuni Schleichera oleosa Pistacia integerrima Albizia lebbeck Cochlospermum gossypium Pride of India Jamun Kusum Local Name Amaltas Pride of India Papari Bottle Brush Silver oak Bael

20. 21. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Shurbs

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School/ Education Institution/ Office complex:

Sl. No. Botenical Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Chukrassia tabularis Alstonia scholaris Cassia fistula Lagerstroemia thorelli Callistemon laceolatus Koelreuteria apiculata Jacaranda mimosaefolia Cassia javanica Mimusops elengii Barringtonia acutangula Schleichera trijuga Putranjiva roxburghii Sapium sebiferum Azardirachta indica Polyalthia longifolia Aegle marmelos Ficus religiosa Cinnamomum camphora Terminalia Chebula Terminalia balerica Cassia glauca Tabernaemontana coronaria Lagerstroemia indica Hamelia patens Bougainvillea Poinciana pulcherrima Cestrum nocturnum Nerium oleander Hibiscus Gurhal Rat ki Rani Chandni Makhan tree Neem Asoka Bael Pipal Camphor Harar Bahera Kusum Maulsari Chitvan Amaltas Local Name

10. 11. 12.

Gardenia florida Murraya Acalypha

Gandhraj Kashipatta

Residential areas (small trees/ shrubs):

Sl. No. Botanical Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Tabernaemontana coronaria Lagerstroemia indica Hamelia patens Bougainvillea Poinciana pulcherrima Cestrum nocturnum Hibiscus Gardenia florida Murraya Lausonia indica Cassia fistula Azardirachta indica Polyalthia longifolia Gandhraj Kashipatta Mehndi Amaltas Neem Ashok Rat ki Rani Local Name Chandni

Parking space:
Sl.No. Botanical Name 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Putranjiva roxburghii Lagerstroemia indica Syzygium spp. Cassia fistula Pongamia glabra Ficus infectoria Mimusops elengii Delonix regia Samania saman Local Name Putranjiva Pride of India Jamun Amaltas Papari Pilkhan Maulsari Gulmohar

Shurbs

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Probable Sites for plantation

Educational Institutions Hospitals Bus Shelters, Bus Stations Parks & Gardens Road sides & Central verge, Service lanes Along railway lines Along the drains, ponds and water bodies Residential areas Community centres Market area/ complexes Parking places Industrial Estates/ areas Office complexes Cremation grounds Religious Institutions etc. Gaon Sabha and village, bunds of agricultural lands and farm lands

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FREE DISTRIBUTION OF TREE SAPLINGS FROM FOREST NURSERIES:

Forest Department of Govt. of NCT of Delhi is distributing free saplings to public from following 13 departmental nurseries located in various parts of Delhi. The Department has distributed saplings to the public in Bhagidari Mela, Eco Club meet, Health Mela, Stree Shakti Mela & other Government Functions. 1. Kamla Nehru Ridge 8. Poonth Kalan ( Near Sultanpuri bus terminal) 2. Anand Vihar ( behind ISBT) 9. Nazafgarh BDO Office ( Near SDM/Old BDO Office of Nazafgarh) 3. Bhairon Marg (Bhairon Marg - Ring road Junction) 10. Kharkhari Nursery ( Near Kharkhari jatmal 4. L.M Bund, Shahadra -( D.C. East Office agriculture seed farm) Complex) 11. Deoli Nursery ( Behind Sainik Farms) 5. Hauzrani City Forest ( M.B. Road near D.C. South Office) 12. Tuglakabad Nursery ( Near Shooting range) 6. Alipur City Forest ( Old Seed Farm) 13. Birla Mandir Nursery ( Behind Birla Mandir, Mandir Lane) 7. Brar Square ( Near Railway crossing , ring road- Cantt)

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Chaper-III

DELHI RIDGE :
Delhi Ridge provides natural treasure for millions of people of Delhi and has a rich diversity of plant species. It serves as a sink for many pollutants, air purifier and supplier of oxygen. Delhi Ridge, therefore, needs to be conserved and developed by developing it into multistoried forest vegetation. It has over 120 species of plants. According to the Zoological Survey of India, Delhi has 32 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 434 species of birds. There are 1787 species, 585 species of vertebrate and 1202 species of invertebrates. In Delhi. Natural regeneration cum enrichment planting of Ridge is being taken up to conserve and protect the biodiversity of the Aravalli region by way of afforestation of Ridge through innovative soil and moisture conservation measures.

Salient features:
Delhi Ridge is an Extension of AravallisThe Oldest Mountain Chain In the Country. Extends into Delhi from Haryana at Tughlakabad Bhatti mines- Dera Mandi axis moving north, covering parts of Delhi Cantt., Lutyens Zone and culminating at Delhi University. Ridge provides a natural boundary between sands of Rajasthan and Delhi city. Ridge Management Board was constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Delhi for supervision on protection and management of Ridge. Table: Parts of Dellhi Ridge
Name of the Ridge Northern Ridge Central Ridge South Central Ridge Nanakpura South Central Southen Ridge Total Area in ha. 87 864 626 7 6200 7784

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NOTIFIED FOREST AREAS OF DELHI:

1. Proposed Reserved Forests: Following areas were notified vide Notification No.F.10.(42)-I/PA/DCF/93/2012-17 (I0 dated 24.05.1994).
S. No. 1 2 3 4 5 Name Northern Ridge Central Ridge South Central Ridge Nanakpura South Central Southen Ridge Total Area in ha. 87 864 626 7 6200 7784 ha Managing Agencies DDA, MCD & Forest Deptt Forest Deptt, DDA, Army, CPWD, NDMC, MCD. DDA DDA Forest, DDA, Sports Authority of India

II. Protected Forests under Forest Department:

S. No. 1 2 3 4 Name Mitraon Protected Forest Sultanpur Protected Forest Mukhmelpur Protected Forest Razokri Protected Forest 600 Area 105 acres 120 acres 133 acres 600 Notification No. & Date. F.8(2)/48 (IX) P&D, Dated 6.05.1948 F.8(2)/48-(I)P&D, Dated 6.05.1948 F.11 (38)/54-P&D-I dated 2.3.1955 EV-7/97/58(i) Dtd. 21.08.1959

III. Protected Forests in Delhi under DDA & L&DO:

S.No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 Distt. Park. I/c Hauzkhas JahanPanah City Forest Basant Nagar Moradabad Pahari area Vasant Vihar Distt.Park Dhaula Kuan Complex Nehru University afforestation Distt. Park Gokul Puri Distt. Park Jhilmil Taharpur D.D.A M a n a g i n g Area Agency Acres D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A Defence Land D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A 400 800 200 20 200 200 7.5 20 373 100 17 120 5 40 32 55.26 257.56 35 65 54.58 185 in Notification Date. No. &

SCO.32 (C)/Noti-8081/6974-81 Dt. 10.04.80 -do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-

Zonal Green area Kalyan Puri,Trilokpuri,Khichripur, Ghazipur etc. D.D.A Sadhula Kalan, Namri, Gulabi Bagh & Darbar Khan Nursery D.D.A and Other areas. Area Between Hill Road & Ludocastle Road Wazirpur Near Bharat Nagar and Nemri Colony Mayapuri Green Land Hastsal afforestation Inderpuri Narayana M.P.Green area Najafgarh Drain (Tagore Garden) Nangloi sayed Distt. Park Rohatak Road. M.P Green G-8 M.P area Najafgarh Drain Distt. Park Pitam Pura-CGH Society D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A D.D.A

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Chapter-IV :

ACTIVITIES OF FOREST DEPARTMENT:

The Forest Department is one of the main greening agencies of Delhi and is doing plantation, protection of forest/ trees, development of Asola Bhatti Wildlife sanctuary.

1. Main Plantation Areas developed by the Forest Department:

Site Asola Wildlife Sanctuary Bhatti Mines ETF Project area Garhi Mandu Ghummenhera Jindpur Mukhmelpur Mitraon Sonia Vihar Deorala Shikarpur Hauzrani Isapur Alipur Chauhan Patti Ghoga Nasirpur Shahpur Garhi Gazipur Drain Kutubgarh Kakrola Area in Ha 1071 680 320 80 48 45 40 40 40 30 28 25 22 15 10 10 8 8 8 8
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2. Reclamation of Bhatti area of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary through Eco Task Force (ETF) :
The Department is implementing the Project of rehabilitation of 2100 acres of Bhatti Mines area since Oct. 2000, which is a part of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. Project period is of 5 years at the cost of Rs. 823 lacs. Upto 31.03.2005, 4.29 lacs saplings planted covering an area of 1700 acres. Details of the area/achievements are as follows:Year Area (acres) Plantation raised 300 600 400 400 1700 58,800 92,600 1,50,000 1,28,000 4,29,400

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Total

3. Management and Protection of Central Ridge

As per the decision of Land & Development Officer, (L&DO), Ministry of Urban Development and Government of NCT of Delhi, 423 ha of Central Ridge has been taken over by the Forest Department on 6.9.2004 from CPWD for protection and Management . For protection of Central ridge, the Department has engaged 25 ex-servicemen. The Deptt has started cleaning of the Ridge and public is being involved plantation activities and for maintaining cleanliness in Ridge. Fencing of vulnerable areas is being undertaken to prevent encroachment.

4. Plantations carried out during last 5 years:

The Department has raised following plantation in last 5 years: Achievements since last five years
Year Achievement of Plantation Free distribution of saplings 3.90 1.85 2.46 3.00 4.28

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

3.35 3.39 2.69 3.27 3.01

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5. Public Participation in plantation drives:

The Forest Department has distributed 4.26 lakhs saplings during 2004-05, out of these 42,567 saplings were distributed to RWAs and 65,497 saplings to Schools/ Eco Cubs. Students have been sensitized for plantation in various plantation drives/ programmes organized by the Department

6. Publicity & Extension Activities:

The Department is participating and associated in the Bhagidari activities, Eco clubs etc. The Department is making wide publicity through electronic and print media, banners, hoardings, and with the association of NGOs for involving all cross-section of the Society in plantation. The Department organizes various programmes on environment & Forest for creating public awareness.

7. Setting up of Conservation Education Centre :

The Department has established a Conservation Education Centre at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary with the BNHS for imparting education in nature and wildlife conservation to students, teachers and other people. Conservation Education Centre comprises 4 nature trails, 1 display Centre and 1 auditorium. The Centre was inaugurated on 11.03.2005 by Honble Chief Minister, Delhi and is visited by large number of students and public.

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Chapter-V

GREENING DELHI : MOTIVATING PEOPLE TO PLANT TREES

BACKGROUND :
Delhi has seen rapid urbanization in the last few decades, which is putting pressure on its green cover. The number of vehicles is also increasing rapidly. Though introduction of CNG has significantly reduced air pollution, there is no alternative to green cover for combating air pollution. There is growing realization for augmenting measures for ground water recharge where trees / forests can play major role in reducing run off and water conservation. It is heartening to observe great enthusiasm and sensitivity among citizens particularly children for protection of trees in Delhi.

Govt. Initiatives:
The Delhi Govt. has laid great emphasis on protection of trees and large scale afforestation. Plantation have been raised wherever land is found available such as city forests, along the drains, Yamuna banks, Gaon Sabha lands etc. However, peoples active participation in afforestation programmes is essential for rapid and successful greening of Delhi.

OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of generating public awareness are: 1. 2. Motivating people to plant trees. Inculcating sense of responsibility towards trees in particular and nature in general. Increasing awareness among the citizens of Delhi about the protection of trees. Motivating students to actively participate in combating pollution at a local level and hence, be part of States resolve to improve the environment of Delhi.

3.

4.

AWARENESS PROGRAMMES:
Programme for creating public awareness through audio visual, print and electronic media as well as by organising plantation activities on various occasions. (i) Radio : A short message on FM radio is proposed. (ii) Newspapers : Advertisement through English and Hindi newspapers will be published. (iii) Posters, Kiosks and panels on buses and bus shelters: Messages both in Hindi and English will be placed at suitable places as well as slides in cinema theatres.

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(iv) Non Governmental Organizations and Voluntary Bodies : NGOs like Kalpvriksha, Srishti, BNHS, ATREE, Development Alternative, educational groups, Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, etc. will be involved in motivating people, students and RWAs. (v) Role of Residents Welfare Associations : The various Residents Welfare Associations, particularly those who are associated with the Bhagidari Programme will be involved as a co-ordinating unit in the plantation programme. Their work will include Informing the Residents about the programme. Gathering volunteers for planting. Identifying places for planting. Assessing seedling requirement. Selection of species. Planning labour input for digging the pits. Co-ordinating with the NGO and Govt Agencies and chalking out programme of plantation in their respective colonies so that planting can be arranged by greening agencies in association with Resident Welfare Associations. vi) Role of Corporate Sector : The corporate Sector can play important role in the programme by sponsoring and arranging logistics and other requirements. This can include sponsorship of advertisements for awareness, provide vehicles for transportation of seedlings and provide tree guards for the plants. Besides, various Corporate bodies can adopt schools for planting and other environmental improvement programmes.

PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE VEGETATION COVER

(a) Transplantation of Trees The transplantation of young trees of suitable species may be done to enthuse new lease of life to such trees, which would have been felled otherwise. This would also ensure that environmental services would continue to be received from these fully grown trees. Following points transplantation needs to be considered for

- Before preparing project, environmental and forest aspect should be properly studied. - Provisions of transplantation of trees should be kept in the project estimates and adequate funds be kept for this purpose. - Process of removal/ transplantation of trees should be initiated by applying to Tree Officer well in advance before actual start of work. - Proper transplantation site should be selected before removal of tree and kept in readiness. - The trees species should be suitable for plantation. - Transplanting should be done in rainy season. The roots of tree should be carefully lifted without causing damage. The pit should be ready before the tree is transported for transplantation.

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(b) Replacement of old/ over-mature Trees The old, dried, dead and over -matured trees should be replaced as early as possible. Proper replacement plan should be made after thorough assessment. The steps for replacement of old trees are given as follows 1) 2) Identification of trees, which are likely to be replaced in the next ten years. Replacement planting under these identified trees should be scheduled in such a manner that at the time of removal of old tree new crop of trees is at least 10 years old or crown of tree is developed enough to provide shade and mature enough to withstand various climatic and biotic pressure. Emphasis should be given to species like Neem, Pipal, Jamun, Pilkhan, etc. at the time of replacement planting or in accordance with landscape planning. Replacement planting should be done with the same species to be replaced so as to maintain symmetry. Along the roadside where miscellaneous avenue plantations was done in the past, replacement should be done with indigenous species for ensuring better survival. While doing replacement planting of tall saplings of 6 feet and above should be used so as to reduce establishment period and maintenance cost. At the time of replacement planting it should be ensured that sapling of same age group and same height are planted for maintaining symmetry. Sufficient protection measures should be taken to avoid casualties, which normally results into gaps and gives uneven look to the avenue.

3)

4)

5)

6)

(c) Removal of Tiling/ black topping and embedded tree guards around trees Concretizing, tiling and black topping close to the tree stem checks percolation of ground water and proper aeration of roots and suffocates the trees, adversely affecting their growth and at times results into the dying of the tree. Tiling/ concreting should be removed and a space of 6 feet x 6 feet around the tree should be maintained. Old and embedded tree guard should be removed (d) Enrichment of vegetation in existing forest areas The existing vegetation in case of open forest or parks and Gardens where density of trees is low, can be improved by enrichment planting and aided natural regeneration. Mixed indigenous species should be planted as far as possible in such areas.

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Chapter-VI

GREENING DELHI ACTION PLAN 2005 06

ACHIEVEMENTS OF PLANTATION DURING 2004-05 & TARGETS FOR 2005-06
Table: Achievement under Greening Action Plan 2004-05 & Target 2005-06
Department Forest Department DDA MCD Eco Task Force PWD (Hort.) DSIDC Development Department NDMC CPWD Delhi Jal Board Airport Authority of India I&FCD Delhi Cantonment Board DTC Health Department Total Free distribution of saplings Grand Total Targets 2004-05 3.30 1.68 1.60 1.00 0.55 0.05 0.25 0.10 0.16 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 8.94 3.60 12.54

( Saplings in lakhs)
Targets 2005-06 3.50 1.80 1.75 1.30 0.70 0.50 0.50 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.06 0.05 11.16 4.50 15.66

Achievements upto 31.03.2005 3.01 1.58 1.64 1.28 0.47 0.20 0.32 0.10 0.24 0.18 0.01 0.10 0.05 0.06 0.01 9.25 4.28 13.53

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GREENING DELHI: ACTION PLAN OF GREENING AGENCIES 2005-06 K The Forest Department:
The Forest Department will take up plantation of 3.50 lakhs sapling in its available areas roadsides, railway lines, Gaon Sabha lands, city forests, Ridge, Asola Bhati wildlife sanctuary, protected forests and Garhi Mandu. The department is augmenting natural regeneration in the Southern Ridge, especially in sanctuary through enrichment planting of mainly indigenous species of the area combined with soil and moisture conservation measures.During 2005-2006, the Department will distribute 4.50 lakh saplings free of cost. The sites for plantation by Forest Department are given in Annexure-I. Highlights of Departments activities will be as below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Plantation at Yamuna Bank at Garhi Mandu Development of City Forests Plantation at Gaon Sabha lands at Shikarpur, Ghummenhera, Deorala, Mitraon, Mukhmelpur etc Compensatory Plantation on behalf of DMRC at Isapur, Rewla Khanpur. Plantation in Southern & Central Ridge. Improvement of habitat of Asola- Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Linkages with other Govt. agencies, RWAs, NGOs, Eco Clubs

K Municipal Corporation of Delhi

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi will undertake tree plantation drive in its various areas such as schools, parks and bus stands. The MCD manages nearly 13000 small and big parks including playgrounds. As most of the parks maintained by the MCD are in thickly populated areas, villages, resettlement colonies, JJ clusters, unauthorized colonies, the MCD is placing special emphasis on cleaning the parks of both temporary and permanent encroachments since these are prone to further encroachment, dumping of malba, rearing of cattle, etc. In 2005-06, the MCD has prepared details of plantation in 12 zones. A total of 1.75 lakh ornamental and flowering trees will be planted during this year. The sites for plantation by MCD are given in Annexure II.

K Delhi Development Authority

The Delhi Development Authority will also undertake a massive afforestation drive. It will be planting the trees and shrubs in various areas such as near picnic huts, camping area, sports fields, various district parks, gardens, etc. This will be carried out through various divisions of the DDA (South and North). DDA will be planting 1.80 lakh trees during 2005-06. The details of the plantation by DDA are given in Annexure-III & XVI.
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K Eco- Task Force:

The target of Eco-Task Force has been fixed for 1.30 lakhs under the Project Area for rehabilitation of Bhatti Mines area of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary . (Annexure-IV)

K Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation:

DSIDC is taking up extensive plantation in its industrial estates for controlling pollution. Target of 0.50 lakh tree saplings is proposed for PWD. The sites for plantation by DSIDC are given in Annexure-V.

K PWD (Horticulture Divisions I, II, III & IV ), NCT, Delhi

The PWD plan emphasizes the plantation of trees on various roads, flyovers of Delhi, traffic intersections, schools, residential colonies, hospitals etc. Target of 0.70 lakh trees saplings is proposed for PWD. The sites for plantation by PWD are given in Annexure-VI.

K Development Department (Horticulture), Govt. of NCT of Delhi.

Horticulture Department will be planting 0.50 lakh tree saplings during 2005-06. The details of the sites are as in Annexure-VII.

K New Delhi Municipal Council

The NDMC has under its jurisdiction nearly 42 square kilometres area. It also encompasses Lutyens Delhi, including the VIP areas with tree plantation along the wide roads, apart from residential areas, parks etc. NDMC will plant 0.20 lakh tree saplings during 2005 - 06. The details of activities to be undertaken at different locations is given in Annexure- VIII.

K CPWD
CPWD will plant 0.20 lakh tree saplings during 2005 06. The details of sites where planting will be undertaken is given at Annexure- IX.

K Other Departments /Organizations.

Following agencies will also take up Plantation in their respective areas. i) Irrigation and Flood Control Department: Target- 0.10 lakhs (Annexure- X) Delhi Jal Board: Target - 0.20 lakhs (Annexure-XI)

ii)

iii) Delhi Cantonment Board: Target 0.10 lakhs (Annexure-XII) iv) Health Department, Govt. of NCT Delhi: Target0.05 lakhs (Annexure-XIII) v) Airport Authority of India: Target0.20 lakh (Annexure-XIV) Delhi Transport Corporation Target0.06 lakh (Annexure-XV)

v)

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