The saplings that are being planted during the ongoing monsoon plantation drive of the government should be “geo-tagged” and their survival monitored, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told officials during a review meeting on Saturday.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Kejriwal told the officials that all the plants should be geo-tagged and monitored, and the monthly report of the progress be submitted to him.
During the meeting, the decision to plant trees that are at least 6 feet in height was also taken, the statement said.
Mr. Kejriwal also asked for a report on the survival of saplings in plantation drives in the past five years.
Helpline set up
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told officials that the plantation drive should involve RWAs, market associations, school students and their parents. In addition, Mr. Kejriwal said a helpline should be set up for people to call to find out about the nearest plantation event.
Participating agencies
Among the agencies participating in the drive are the Delhi Forest Department, the Health Department, the Education Department, the Public Works Department, the Power Department and discoms, the Delhi Transport Corporation, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, the Delhi Jal Board, the five civic bodies of Delhi, the Northern Railways and the Delhi Metro.
The Chief Minister asked all the agencies to give a detailed plan during the next review meeting, scheduled on August 21. In June, Environment and Forest Minister Imran Hussain had announced a target of 28 lakh saplings to be planted during 2018-2019, with a large number being during the monsoon.