Kerjiwal wants Delhi trees geo-tagged, their survival to be monitored

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday directed officials to geo-tag plants and monitor their survival rate when Delhi government’s mega plantation drive begins in September.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday directed officials to geo-tag plants and monitor their survival rate when Delhi government’s mega plantation drive begins in September.

A row of Lemon-scented Gum trees, locally known as Safeda, are seen inside St. Stephen's College. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

In a meeting on Saturday, Kejriwal also sought a detailed report on the survival report of the plantations done in the last five years in Delhi.

The CM also directed officials to launch a mass awareness campaign to increase public participation in the plantation drive, an official statement issued by the CM’s office said. The plantation drive is scheduled to begin from September 1 under which a total of 32.27 lakh saplings are likely to be planted, officials said. The CM also sought to create a helpline for the event so people can find out about the nearest location for participating in the drive.

Officials said the issue of post-plantation care was raised during the meeting. Kejriwal said all plants should be geo-tagged and that a monthly report on the same should be submitted to him, the statement said.

“The CM made it clear that responsibility of the survival of the plants would rest with the respective greening agency. Forest department would be the nodal agency for all coordination works,” deputy CM Manish Sisodia said.

Sisodia also asked agencies to involve resident welfare associations, market associations, school children and their parents in the drive. “We have to reach the grassroots to make it a grand success,” Sisodia said.

The CM has also called a meeting with heads of department of all the greening agencies on Tuesday for another review.