Sheila Dikshit launches greening project in east Delhi

As part of efforts to host the first-ever Green Commonwealth Games, chief minister Sheila Dikhsit today launched a greening project in east Delhi and said efforts are being made to implement such steps at all construction sites in the capital.

Dikshit, launching the project by planting saplings on the occasion of World Forestry Day, said conservation of forest is a necessity that requires to be addressed on a priority basis.

"Instructions have been given to make a provision for greenery at a place where construction work is being taken up in the national capital," she said.

For survival of mankind, a holistic approach is required to be adopted to protect plant kingdoms and wildlife, the chief minister noted.

The government has promised that it will organise the first-ever green Commonwealth Games this October.

The green cover of the national capital has increased substantially from 22 sq kms in 1993 to 300 sq kms in 2007 and 32 forests have been successfully developed here.

On the city's preparations for the Games, Dikshit told reporters that already a huge amount of money has been pumped into the projects and efforts are on to host the mega-event and to make it "memorable".

The chief minister stressed upon the need for maintenance and survival of plants besides putting appropriate signages at ITO Chungi. She also asked people and bodies like PWD and others to play a crucial role.

State finance minister AK Walia was also present on the occasion. A large number of school children also planted saplings.

Around four thousand saplings will be planted at ITO Chungi, to be developed on the lines of green cover near the AIIMS flyover, in 36 acre in four pockets till July to facilitate their growth during the rainy season.