Slide 1

Protection of tree/vegetation26 sq. km. of forest cover7777 ha ridge area declared reserve forest6Background of the case studyNeed for Greening PolicyUrban areas witness high level of air pollution Affects ambient air quality beyond permissible limit Deteriorated air quality affects the health of the peopleMovements by people\NGOs against deteriorating ambient air qualityJudicial activism on environmental & forestry issuesRequirement for aesthetic environment in urban areas2CASE STUDIESDELHI

CHANDIGARH3GREENING DELHI 4

Potential of Forest Cover in amelioration of environmentEffective carbon sink Green lungs of the city Acts as dust filter/collector Acts as a shelter belt and dissipates sound/noisePollution scavenger Absorbs gases and gather particulate matter

7Massive planting of seedlings by various Govt. agencies Involving NGOs, residents associations etc. in tree planting & protectionMotivating people to plant at least one tree per family Free distribution of seedlings to publicTo increase mass awareness for trees To bring all greening agencies under one umbrella8Components of Greening Delhi Action PlanIncrease in vegetation byProtection of existing trees/forestNeed specific models prescribed for different categories of lands for plantation alongRoadside, traffic intersection and central vergersDrainsExisting protected forestsGaon Sabha lands, resident colonies, parks, etc.City forestsRidge 9Mass awareness campaigning strategy for Greening DelhiTo sensitize the people on need of increased forest/trees by:Enlisting NGOs active participationSchool children main target groupUse various medias like:Press, AIR/FM, electronic media, cable TVs, advertisements in newspapers, theatre groups, computerized display of messages at traffic intersections etc.10

Positive aspects of greeningFocus shifted towardsTall plantingJudicious selection of species based on factorsLocation of plantation siteEnvironmentalEdaphic and climaticAesthetic

11

Positive aspects of greeningFocus shifted towardsProtection of existing vegetationEmphasis on in-situ SMC worksAwareness raising

12Outcome of the Greening Delhi Action PlanIncrease in forest coverStatus of Forest Cover (in sq. km.)1993199519971999200120032005201122262688152 26828330013Active involvement of NGOs, people, students and media in the greening of Delhi14

GREENING OF CHANDIGARH- A case studyChandigarh- the beautiful city, designed by famous French architect, Le Corbusier is known for its unique architecture and well planned landscaping. A harmonious blend of buildings, trees and other landscape elements, with the backdrop of the Shivalik hills, enhances its aesthetic value.

15

STRATEGYTO INCREASE GREEN COVERMassive Plantation of tall saplings Maintenance e.g. regular watering. Protection by putting tree guards.Emphasis on plantation of indigenous trees.Selection of species based upon- Environmental consideration- Site condition

COMPONENTS OF GREEN COVER Roadside Plantations Gardens and greenbeltsPlantations in institutions Creation of Herbal Gardens in Academic institutionsEnrichment planting in Reserve Forest and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Road side plantationsAvenues of One tree species on one roadSelection of Tree species based upon: HardinessEvergreen foliagePollution abetment requirement PARKS AND GREEN BELTS1900 small and big parks A specified percentage has been earmarked for woodlots depending upon size of park:SIZE OF PARKAREA OF WOODLOTS1.0 Acre30%1.0 - 5.0 Acre 40%5.0 To 20.0 Acre50%More than 20 Acre60%PROTECTION & IMPROVEMENT

Regular replacement of dead, dying and diseased trees.Under planting under over-matured & matured trees. Medium size Species to be planted under overhead electric lines & telephone lines.Removal of weeds like Lantana & Parthenium from the city.Composting / Vermi Composting to prevent burning of leaves.

PROTECTION & IMPROVEMENT

STEPS Control of pest attack on trees.Removal of concreting/ tiling around the tree stem.Removal of Kiosks, advertisement boards from tree trunks to avoid damage to treesRemoval of lights (bulbs & tubes) from trees.Promoting Rain water harvestingPROTECTION & IMPROVEMENT

Creation of herbal gardens in educational institutions.Transplantation of trees.Mulching of leaves for protection of saplings.Restoration & Conservation of Biodiversity. GREEN COVER OF CHANDIGARHS.F.R-200136 sq. kmNET INCREASE OF GREEN COVER IN 8 YEARS (2001-09)S.F.R-200349 sq. km. 18 SQ.KMS.F.R.-200550 sq.km.S.F.R.-200954 sq.km.GREEN COVER OF CHANDIGARH ( SFR-2009 )

EMERGING CHALLENGES TO THE URBAN FORESTRY AND LANDSCAPE

Expansion of roads to decongest vehicular traffic26

Expansion of roads to decongest vehicular traffic

Laying of services (overhead or under ground)

Laying of services (overhead or under ground) Over crowding of parks and gardens due to galloping human population

Ingredients of Greening Policy for Urban Areas

31Afforestation by various agencies Protection of existing vegetationEnlisting peoples participation at different levelsMass awareness campaign Need for coordination

32

Thank yougoel1977@rediffmail.com3334

Status of Forest Cover

(Area in Sq. km.)35198719891993199522222226Trapping of cold air over Delhi with gaseous pollutions near the earth surfaceDelhi becomes a chamber of poisonous gases during winterDramatic increase in respiratory infections in winter months. 36Inversion phenomenaReasons for Poor Ambient Air Quality

Increase in SPM (responsible for respiratory diseases) due to air pollution Air pollution63% - by vehicles 14% - by 3 Thermal power stations 23% - by industries 3737Comparison of pollution by different sources38Source1970-711990-91Industrial 5621Vehicular 2363Domestic and others2116Table: Ambient Air Quality in DelhiResidential Area

Area/Parameters199519981999Sulphur dioxide (g/m3)16.515.816.2Nitrogen dioxide (g/m3)32.528.626.5Suspended Particulars matter (g/m3)409341351Lead (ng/m3)155954639Table: Ambient Air Quality in DelhiIndustrial Area40Area/Parameters199519981999Sulphur dioxide (g/m3)24.120.219.5Nitrogen dioxide (g/m3)35.534.733.5Suspended Particulars Matter (g/m3)420367365Lead (ng/m3)11010558Table: Ambient Air Quality in DelhiTraffic intersections

Area/Parameters199519981999Sulphur dioxide (g/m3)422520Nitrogen dioxide (g/m3)666360Suspended Particulars matter (g/m3)452426418Lead (ng/m3)33513670Carbon monoxide (g/m3)

55875450424141Protection of existing vegetationEnactment of Delhi Tree Preservation ActStrict implementation of actImposition of heavy fines for illegal cutting on individuals and organizationsRedefined role of Forest Deptt.Willing cooperation of NGOs/ people/ media in information flow about illegal cutting of treesMade Forest Deptt. the focal point in Greening Delhi Action Plan42Salient features of development of ridgeCharacteristics:Extension of Aravali rangeDivided in four portionsCoarse and bouldary soilMoisture stress with semi arid conditionsStunted vegetation rich in root stock

Aim to develop the ridge into multi layered forests:Natural regeneration-cum-enrichment plantingExtensive SMC measures like trenching, water harvesting structures etc.Protection

43Salient features of road side plantationsWorst affected by air pollutionSelection of species based uponEnvironmental considerations like resistance to pollutionOrnamental & aesthetic aspectsTall plantingMaintenance e.g. regular watering 4445