Delhi: Kejriwal launches mega drive to plant 5 lakh saplings
What's the story
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday launched a mega tree plantation drive by planting a sapling at the Yamuna floodplain in Usmanpur village, with thousands of others joining him in the initiative. The Delhi government wants to plant 5 lakh trees and shrubs in the city in a day as part of the drive. The drive launched by Kejriwal is to fight air pollution.
Air Pollution
One lakh students and residents are participating in this campaign
Officials said around one lakh students and residents are participating in the campaign at 600 locations across the national capital. CM Kejriwal said studies have shown 70% of pollution in Delhi originated beyond its borders, but this could not be an excuse to avoid tackling the situation. "Apart from the massive plantation, we also need to reduce pollution," he said.
Target
Delhi government to plant 32.5 lakh trees in 2018
Around 32,000 saplings were planted at the venue of the event, a government official said. The Delhi government's Environment and Forest Secretary AK Singh said the target is to plant 32.5 lakh trees in the current year. So far, around 15 lakh have been planted, he said. Delhi's Environment Minister Imran Hussain also planted a sapling at his residence.