Delhi’s forest cover to be increase to 25 per cent: Hussain

New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) Delhi government is committedto increase green cover of Delhi from present 20 to 25 percent in the next five years, city Environment Minister ImranHussain said today. "The AAP Government is committed to provide clean air,water and environment to its residents, developing cityforests and increasing green cover by 5 per cent in next fiveyears is our aim," he said inaugurating a plantation drive inNajafgarh here. Around 1500 tree saplings of various varieties wereplanted and two Eco Huts were inaugurated on the occasion. The minister addressing the gathering including schoolchildren called for planting at least one plant by everyoneand nurturing plants like a family member. He stressed on proper maintenance of forest cover andsave it from encroachment and directed Forest departmentofficials for developing forested patches in other parts ofthe city. Mitraon city forest in Najafgarh area is one of the 26protected forests in Delhi spread over 100 acres. Thegovernment has planned to develop 42 city forests in Delhi. These green patches will have facilities like Eco Huts,meditation centres, watch tower, walking tracks, water bodies,medicinal plants garden, health clubs and butterfly garden,for the residents of neighbourhood areas. PTI HKP VITRG