“We will densify existing forest areas and also bring new areas under green cover,” A K Shukla, chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, said. “We will densify existing forest areas and also bring new areas under green cover,” A K Shukla, chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, said.

The Delhi government has set itself a goal to increase the city’s forests from 20.08 per cent to 25 per cent in the next five years. This means the government will have to add about six to seven hectares of green cover in the capital that is already grappling with alarming pollution levels.

“We will densify existing forest areas and also bring new areas under green cover,” A K Shukla, chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, said.

He said the greening agencies of various government departments, municipal bodies and the Centre — such as the Airports Authority of India, the three municipal corporations of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Public Works Department and the Delhi Development Authority — will meet in April to discuss an action-plan. According to government officials, in order to increase Delhi’s green cover, the Department of Forests and Wildlife is looking to earmark about six to eight metres on both sides of upcoming elevated road projects for a green belt.

“When the right of way is granted for signal-free elevated road projects, agencies like the PWD’s horticulture department will have to ensure that about 6 to 8 metres on both sides of these roads are densely planted,” Shukla said.

The government will also look at planting trees over drains like those in Najafgarh and Shahdara and also in empty plots under the DDA.

“We will develop the 42 forests in the city by constructing pathways and use solar lights along them. We will create the model and get third parties to evaluate it,” Shukla said.

Shukla said third parties could be mohalla sabhas or eco-task forces comprising school students. “We want people’s participation in this programme to ensure that the plan doesn’t remain just on paper. Anyone can count trees so there is no need for special expertise,” he said.

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