The Government has sought peoples’ cooperation to bring about an improvement in the quality of forests and to enhance the scientific management of forests. Emphasising the need to appreciate the true value of forest in the growth and development of our country, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, said here today that every person must plant at least 10-15 trees during one’s lifetime and care for the trees, so that trees can create an ‘Oxygen Bank’. He added that just as money is deposited in banks, each person must plant one tree after every five years to create the fixed deposit of an ‘Oxygen Bank’. He pointed out that one change that has been brought about in plantation of trees in nurseries is that plants that attain a height of upto 6 feet are planted to ensure a high survival rate. The Minister said that students are the agents of change, as it is the students who can nurture and enhance the sensitivity towards environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Environment and Forest of Delhi government, Shri Imran Hussain said that the Delhi government will spare no effort to make Delhi more green.Javadekar and Shri Hussain also planted trees on the occasion and gave away prizes to the children. Shri Javadekar also released a Heritage Map on the occasion. School children from schools around Asola Bhatti sanctuary, presented a street play (Nukkad Natak) highlighting the exploitation of Earth. The school children had also put up an exhibition to mark the occasion. This year’s theme of International Day of Forest is ‘Forest and Water’ to raise awareness about how forests are the key of the planet’s supply of fresh water is essential for life. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with Department of Forest and Wildlife of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, celebrated the International Day of Forest today at Asola Bhatti Wildlife sanctuary. Shri A.K Shukla, Chief Conservator of Forests, Delhi government, gave the vote of thanks.