For Delhi-NCR, a target to plant 4.5 crore trees to combat dust pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced a tree plantation initiative, with a target of 4.5 crore plantations for Delhi-NCR, Wednesday. The move aims to combat high levels of dust in the region, which has a direct bearing on poor air quality, especially during the dry season.

In a statement, the Commission said it has identified the method of extensive greening and plantations in open areas in NCR — particularly along the central verges of roads, roadsides or pathways — for implementing the initiative.

According to the commission, Delhi has been asked to plant 56,40,593 saplings, Haryana 1,32,50,000 saplings, Rajasthan 42,68,649 saplings and Uttar Pradesh 1,97,56,196 saplings. Central government agencies have also been roped in, with almost double their previous year’s target. They will carry out 12,07,000 new plantations against 6,29,500.

The CAQM said native plant species will be used for the new plantation activities. To ensure the survival rate, monitoring and post-plantation care will be taken.