New Delhi, Jul 23 (IANS): The Delhi government Saturday launched a mass plantation drive that will see one million trees come up in the capital, taking its green cover to 33 percent of its land area.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit began the programme along the Ring Road Bypass.
It is part of the Delhi government's decision to increase the city's green area to 33 percent. Delhi has 299.58 sq km of forest cover, or about 20 percent of its territory.
"Delhi has decided to plant more than one million saplings during this monsoon season," the chief minister. She promised to provide "affectionate care" to the saplings.
Delhi Metro, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Development Authority and NGOs will be involved in the effort.
The government will also provide free sapling across Delhi.