Delhi's LG and CM Kickstart Bamboo Plantation at Bhalswa Landfill
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Synopsis
On March 4, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a significant initiative to transform the Bhalswa landfill into a green area with bamboo plantations. This project aims to improve the city's environmental health by planting thousands of trees over the coming months.
Key Takeaways
- 2,000 bamboo trees planted at Bhalswa landfill.
- Aiming for 54,000 trees in 1.5 months.
- Bamboo trees produce 30% more oxygen.
- Monthly inspections by CM Gupta to monitor progress.
- Goal to reclaim landfill by World Environment Day.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Tuesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to make the city pollution-free and initiated a new project aimed at transforming the Bhalswa landfill near the northern border into a vibrant area of bamboo groves, utilizing land that has been cleared over the past two years.
While addressing the press alongside Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, LG Saxena highlighted that the land has been cleared over the past two years and approximately 2,000 bamboo trees were planted today.
“In total, we plan to plant nearly 54,000 trees within the next one-and-a-half months. Our objective is to transform this area into a green space... bamboo trees were chosen because they produce 30 percent more oxygen, require less water, and grow rapidly... Within a year, passing by this landfill site, you will observe a green area instead of piles of waste,” remarked LG Saxena.
Praising the efforts of the Central government and the LG in leading the biomining and land reclamation project, CM Gupta criticized the former AAP government for merely discussing pollution issues without taking real action.
She assured that she would conduct monthly inspections to oversee the project, stating that the Delhi government is operating in mission mode, with visible outcomes expected from the greening of this area.
“We intend to inspect all three landfill sites, and within a year, our goal is to reduce the height of the garbage mountains and establish green initiatives. The 'Double Engine' government will operate at double speed as we are in mission mode,” she stated.
“The waste that has been cleared from this site is being repurposed in various road construction projects by the NHAI and for leveling DDA grounds,” she noted, pledging to enhance the city's greenery under the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa mentioned that Delhi has successfully eliminated approximately 35 percent of the Bhalswa landfill site in the last two years.
“To date, around 25 acres out of the landfill's total 70 acres have been reclaimed. Today, we have initiated plantation on 5 acres of the reclaimed area, with plans to cover the entire site by World Environment Day (June 5),” he added.
By 2026, the garbage mountain is expected to be leveled, marking a significant milestone for Viksit Delhi in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he stated.
He criticized the previous AAP government for prioritizing the construction of the 'Sheesh Mahal' for Arvind Kejriwal over addressing the pressing issue of landfill waste.
