Need collective response, not blame games, to combat air pollution: Rahul
The leader of the Opposition in the lower house pointed out that the poorest suffer the most being unable to escape the toxic air that surrounds them.
Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday announced that the government would carry out a massive one-day plantation drive by planting five lakh trees and shrubs this month. The date, he said would be announced soon.
Hussain reviewed preparations for the massive exercise in a meeting with various greening agencies. He said the government proposed to seek active involvement of local residents, resident welfare associations, market associations, school and college students so that green cover of Delhi could be increased to combat the ill-effects of air pollution.
Meanwhile, Delhi Parks and Gardens Society (DPGS) was directed to ensure free distribution of saplings so that the plantation drive could be carried out smoothly.
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All the greening agencies were directed to send the locations for proposed plantations to the Forest Department by Friday so that a comprehensive action plan could be prepared for the drive.
Hussain said there was a need to create mass awareness about plantation drive and the importance of green cover for the overall environment conservation and pollution control.
The Minister directed all greening agencies to ensure the digging of pits, supply of manure, saplings and other essential facilities for the plantation drive. Hussain also emphasised upon providing good quality saplings.
He directed that sufficiently tall and mature saplings should be planted as they not only grow faster but have high survival rate.
The minister asked the Department of Environment and Forest to undertake a mass awareness campaign so as to make the plantation drive a successful event.
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