New Delhi: The Public Works Department (PWD) has reported significant progress towards its ambitious tree planting target set by the Delhi High Court, achieving 88% of the 10,000-tree goal ahead of the monsoon season. This initiative marks a critical step in enhancing the city’s green cover, with 8,945 trees already planted.
In a pioneering move, the PWD has introduced an online dashboard for real-time monitoring of each planted tree’s status. This digital approach aims to ensure immediate attention to any damage or issues affecting the saplings. For the first time, the exact locations of all planted trees are digitally mapped, allowing for precise tracking of their growth and health. Adhering to stringent guidelines, all planted trees must be at least 10 feet tall and possess branches. Each of the department’s 10 road divisions has been assigned specific planting targets, ranging from 250 to 1,000 trees. The divisions in North West, South West, North East, Shahdara, North, and West have impressively met 100% of their targets. However, the South West division is lagging, having achieved only 45% of its assigned target.
The PWD’s initiative is not only about planting trees but ensuring their survival and growth. Executive engineers are tasked with marking the locations of each tree on the e-monitoring application and submitting monthly progress reports. This app, typically used for overseeing mega infrastructure projects, is now repurposed to track the development of the city’s green initiative, reflecting a novel approach to environmental stewardship. Historically, the PWD has faced criticism from judicial quarters for inadequate maintenance of trees planted during special drives. In response, the department is adopting rigorous measures to comply with deconcretization rules, fostering proper growth conditions for the newly planted trees. This proactive approach underscores the department’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
In preparation for this initiative, the PWD requested the forest department to identify areas within the city that are classified as forests or have the potential for increased greenery. This collaboration is part of the government’s broader green action plan, which sets specific environmental targets for various agencies to achieve before the onset of the monsoon.
The PWD’s current drive represents a concerted effort to address environmental concerns through innovative solutions and meticulous planning. As the monsoon approaches, the department’s achievements highlight a significant milestone in Delhi’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable urban landscape.
