New Delhi: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Environment Minister of Delhi Gopal Rai on Saturday said that the government is launching a mega plantation drive of medicinal plants. He said that anyone can take medicinal plants for free from 14 nurseries across the national capital.
On top of it, the Delhi government is also planning a mega plantation drive during Van Mahotsav from June 26 to July 11. Under the drive, 33 lakh saplings will be planted across the city.
The Environment Minister said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government has launched a war against air pollution. Several steps have been taken which include tree transplantation policy, anti-dust pollution campaign, electric vehicle policy, Red light on Gaadi off campaign and many others."
Rai also said that one of the factors of air pollution is presence of more than ten thermal power plants in the NCR. He said that the Delhi government has moved Supreme Court against the thermal power plants.
"We are publishing a brochure which will carry all the necessary information regarding medicinal plants. The medicinal plants which are available with the Delhi government nurseries are Amla, Amrud, Arjun, Jamun, Neem, Tulsi and others. We will share the contact numbers of coordinators of these nurseries. Anyone can contact the coordinators and ask for medicinal plants," he said.
Rai also shared details about the mega plantation drive planned during Van Mahotsav. He said that all the cabinet ministers of Delhi, the speaker of the Delhi legislative assembly, all the MLAs, NGOs and RWA's will take part in the drive. The drive will be handled by different Delhi government departments and agencies including the environment department, DDA, MCD, PWD, BSES and others.
Talking about the efforts of the government, Rai informed that the relentless work done by the government has resulted in bringing down the air pollution by 25 per cent. He said, "As the campaign is named "ek paudhe zindagi ke naam," I would appeal to people to plant at least one sapling on the World Environment Day."
