Plantation drive started by Delhi’s environment minister: Gopal Rai, portal to help book a sapling

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Sunday started an annual plantation drive at Indian Agricultural Research Institute and a portal was also launched for getting a free sapling.

The target of planting 52 lakh trees this year and, of these, over 6 lakh saplings will be distributed for free.  An online portal: http://dillifreetree.eforest.delhi.gov.in/ was launched to enable Delhiites to book free saplings under Van Mahotsav programme. “The applicant will be required to click a selfie with the booked plant and upload it on the portal. Through this, departments will be able to keep track of the real time data of distributed plants.

During the event, people took an oath regarding the importance of the environment. Free medicinal plants were also distributed to all those present. Students and teachers from eco clubs, RWA members and MLAs also participated in the event.

Rai said, “Every year, a campaign is organized to enhance Delhi’s green cover and mitigate pollution. Since the second term of the Kejriwal administration, a total of 1.18 crore trees have been planted. Annually, the Central government establishes afforestation objectives for all states. During the elections, we made a promise to the citizens of Delhi, with the goal of planting two crore trees over a span of five years.

Delhi government will surpass its target and achieve a total of around 1.7 crore saplings in its fourth year. Rai said free medicinal saplings that enhance disease resistance, including amla, curry leaves, aloe vera, giloy, neem, celery, basil and bel patra, will be provided to Delhiites. These saplings will be distributed from 14 government nurseries so that people can contribute to the city’s green cover by planting them in their homes.