Tree helpline back soon in new avatar

NEW DELHI: The defunct tree helpline will now give way to a more holistic green helpline. The government is pondering changes to the existing set-up to enable a one-number stop for all complaints related to the environment. From July, Delhiites will be able to call this number and register complaints not just about tree felling but unauthorized dumping of waste, throwing garbage into Yamuna and wildlife.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit, also the environment minister, held a meeting on Tuesday to review the capital’s green cover. The review has come in the wake of several reports about the onslaught on Delhi’s trees by various agencies, including departments, and directions by National Green Tribunal. Dikshit has asked the forest department to take action in cases where any illegal activity against trees or the green cover is being carried out, even if the offender is a government agency.

The forest department has also been told to keep a close watch on the work of Delhi Metro with around 15,000 trees needed to be felled for its work under Phase-III. Around four lakh saplings have been raised already by the forest department, the survival rate of which is 80 percent. The CM has asked for a comprehensive plantation plan to be drawn up for planting 10-15 lakh saplings across the city during the monsoon season.