NEW DELHI, 8 June 2007 — Delhi state government launched a tree plantation drive yesterday to make the city green. “We will plant more trees in the forests and also create more green areas by utilizing the wasteland,” Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said at the launch of the plantation drive.

Dismissing criticism that the government was not doing enough to keep the city green, she said 13 to 14 reserve forests had been developed. “In view of the alarming decline in groundwater level in certain areas, the government will table a bill in the Parliament to check misuse of water resources,” she said. Water harvesting should be taken seriously to replenish the groundwater level, she said. Dikshit and a group of school students planted a few saplings in the ridge area to mark the launch of the campaign.

Environmentalists fear that if native tree species are ignored in the campaign, these may be wiped out in years. “We have lost several native trees including `Kullu’, `Salai’ and `Chichola’ and the list continues to grow. Though we understand that Delhi will lose some trees because of the growing population and other development activities, our greening plans too have sidelined these native species, opting instead for fast growing exotic varieties that may not be suitable for the city,” environmentalist Pradip Krishen said. “Delhi has lost some very beautiful and useful tree species. Also, small shrubs are being listed under the greening drive as trees. This is a dangerous trend,” he said.

Academician A.K. Bhatnagar (botany) said: “We have managed to kill our native varieties, destroying in the process micro-ecosystems for small animals, birds and insects. Though the city is still technically green, there are few fruit and flower-bearing trees. We are losing out the distinctive character of the city and its native trees.” The native, hardy trees are best suited for Delhi’s extreme climate and depleting water table, according to environmentalists.

Environmentalists have also claimed that more than 35,000 trees have been felled for city projects, including: Delhi Metro Phase-I, National Highway Project, High Capacity Bus Service Corridor, flyovers, underpasses, subways, and general road widening.