Tree Plantation The Forest Survey of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forest has been doing

forest cover assessment using remote sensing technology, every two years, and the 10th Report of the Status of the Forest Cover as in 2005, was released in February, 2008. According to the report, the forest cover of the country has been estimated at 23.4% of the total geographical area. When compared to the 2003 figures, there is a marginal loss reported of 728 sq. kms. on account of Tsunami losses in Andman & Nicobar Islands and submergence of forest land in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on account of dam construction, and the rest in North East due to shifting cultivation. The Forest Resource Assessment (FRA), which estimates the world forest area, has come up with a figure of 3.9 billion hectares in 2005, which is about 30% of the total land area of the world. Russia, Brazil, Canada, USA and China account for more than 50% of the world's forest area. While this figure is showing a general decline, in Asian countries there has been a slight net increase, specially in China and India. Delhi has a total geographical area of 1483 sq. kms. The total green cover of Delhi according to the above report is 283 sq kms. or 19.09% of the total geographical area as against 268 sq. kms. (18.07%). This is made up of 107 sq. kms. of tree cover and 176 sq. kms. of forest cover making a total of 283 sq. kms as on 2005. Despite several infrastructural projects and large scale construction going on in Delhi, it is heartening to be corroborated by FSI data that the green cover of Delhi has increased by 15 sq. kms. between 2003 data and 2005 data. Out of this 15 sq. kms., 9 sq. kms. is accounted for by increase in tree cover of Delhi which was estimated by FSI through high resolution satellite data. The remaining 6 sq. kms. is on account of increase in forest cover and therefore, Delhi has raised the green cover from 18.07 % to 19.09%, which is an increase of more than 1 % of the geographical area in two years. An analysis of the 9 districts reveals that between 2003 and 2005 data, 5 districts have recorded higher forest cover with New Delhi showing the largest increase of about 1.5 sq. kms., and South West Delhi recording a rise of nearly 1.4 sq. kms. Other districts which have done well are North West Delhi, North Delhi and West Delhi. This is on account of the fact that Delhi Government has been planting more than 1 million trees every year since 2002. In the districts of Central Delhi, due to lack of availability of land the tree cover has not increased, but in the remaining 3 districts of East Delhi, North East Delhi and South Delhi the increase has been very marginal. The Delhi Government has noted these phenomena, and all out efforts will be made to concentrate on these three districts for more intensive tree plantation. Since 2005, more than 1.5 million trees have been planted or freely distributed by the Govt. of Delhi and we are very confident that the tree cover of Delhi in 2007 has surpassed 300 sq. kms. or about 20% of the total geographical area of Delhi. In 2007 itself, 9 new City Forests were created covering nearly 250 hectares of land, and 14 existing City Forests were intensively planted. Also

more than 5 lakh saplings were distributed through 1650 eco-club schools, 1900 RWAs and more than 400 CNG/Petrol Stations/Mother Dairy Booths. As a result, the Department is satisfied that the increase in the green cover of Delhi is on the rise and all efforts are being made to increase the percentage of such coverage to about 25% by 2010 when the Commonwealth Games begin. In this direction, the Cabinet had taken a major decision in January, 2008 to undertake greening of nearly 15000 gardens and parks in Delhi through the PPP initiative so that these green areas serve as sinks for carbon emissions from several sources in Delhi. In the year 2008-09, the Department will create new city forests, green the waste lands in Aya Nagar, intensify the plantation in existing city forests, densify the ridge, and undertake large scale plantations alongside the several drains of the city. The Department will be exceeding the plantation figure of 1.8 million targeted for this year, in 2008-09.
"ANTI FIRE CRACKERS CAMPAIGN" with the theme "Say No to Crackers" is being conducted through various media on the occasion of Diwali festival. A multi-dimensional strategy with prime focus on students, RWAs and MTAs is being adopted. The campaign has resulted in substantial reduction in pollution level during Diwali. Say No to Plastic Bags adopt alternatives like Jute, Cloth & Recycled paper bags campaigns is being conducted through different media to educate public about harmful effects of plastic bags. As an important component of this awareness campaign as well as to make Delhi free of thin Plastic bags.

Kehlo Holi Naturally

Department of Environment, conducts a campaign on 'Khello Holi Naturally', during Holi festival. Stalls of Natural Colors were arranged through NGOs at Delhi Hatt for distribution of the natural colors to the general public. Natural colors packets were also sent to the different stake holders. This programme received enthusiastic support from the general public.
http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Campaign/Kehlo+Holi+ Naturally