DDA takes students, RWAs on board for extensive plantation programme

Delhi Development Authority has started involving school children, general public and Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) in plantation programme. These things are being done under a scheme of DDA to involve the community in plantation.

Under the scheme, schools and RWAs would be supported by DDA. DDA will be providing plants and a certain amount to them for planting saplings and increasing greenery.

According to DDA, a RWA would be given Rs 15,000 per year whereas any school would be given Rs 25,000 per year. Both RWAs and schools would be selected by DDA.

Each selected school shall be allocated a site/park by the DDA. The allocation of sites shall be for a period of 10-15 years for a particular school.

In the first year, it is proposed to implement the scheme in 200 schools which are having eco clubs. An amount of Rs 50 lakh is expected to be incurred in the scheme.

The DDA will prepare the site for carrying out afforestation including pitting, supply of seedlings, tree guards, water etc. The gardening tools, transportation cost for students, cost of manure/vermi compost, light refreshment will be borne by the eco clubs.

The students from class 6 onwards are proposed to be involved in this scheme. The students, if they wish, can place name plates on adopted trees/plants for sense of belongingness.

It is proposed to supply five seedlings per participating students every year (nearly 500 seedlings per year per school). The students will maintain these trees/plants for next 4 to 5 years till he/she passes out of school. The allotment will be only for maintenance of trees and will not give any other rights.

Meanwhile, DDA horticulture department has already started plantation in the city. This time, shrubs are being planted at central verge. Community people are also participating in the plantation programme of DDA. 

On Tuesday, the plantation was being spotted by City Spidey at Sector 12. During the plantation drive, school kids and other people, passing through the stretch, took interest in plantation drive and planted saplings.