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New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday and directed NCR states to prepare scientifically planned, technology-driven and convergence-based district-wise green strategies to strengthen ecological security and ensure sustained improvement in the air quality of Delhi-NCR.
Senior officials of the Environment Ministry and Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCF) from the Government of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi participated in the meeting, which focused on accelerating green cover expansion through careful planning, community participation and efficient resource convergence.
During the review, Yadav assessed the ongoing preparations for the plantation activities scheduled for 2026-27 and directed all NCR states to conduct district-wise detailed mapping of forest lands, barren lands, public spaces, wetlands, watersheds, community forests, city van/namo parks and proposed or existing zoos.
States were asked to classify these areas on the basis of vegetation quality and administrative control to streamline interventions.
According to a press note issued by the ministry, the minister emphasized that all eco-clubs in NCR should be identified and mapped for awareness generation as well as active participation in tree plantation and maintenance activities.
Calling for a visionary approach, the Minister directed the States to draft five-year district-level micro plans that include annual plantation targets, implementing agencies, avenues of community participation, nursery capacity and sources of funds including Green India Mission, City Forest Scheme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund, Green Credit Program (GCP), MNREGA and river rejuvenation schemes.
Minister Yadav also asked “Ministry officials to prepare a five-year green plan for the National Capital Region by consolidating the district-wise micro plans prepared by the states.”
“Based on this integrated plan, coordinated action will be initiated to ensure necessary amenity, which, apart from other benefits, will also help in carrying out the greener plantation efforts being monitored by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM),” the ministry said.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) was asked to provide data on degraded forest land and areas affected by invasive species. States were directed to upload degraded land parcels on the Green Credit Program portal to attract individual and corporate participation in eco-restoration.
“The Minister emphasized that the next meeting in this regard will be held shortly to review the progress of action taken by the State Governments and the Government of NCT Delhi.”
–IANS
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