More city forests soon to score carbon credits

This is part of the Climate Change Action Plan of the Delhi government. A Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project has been initiated by it for the Asola Bhatti Mines,where eight lakh trees have already been planted. Last week,validators from the German government surveyed the CDM project,which is now awaiting the Host Country Approval by India. Working by the standard that 4 to 5 mature trees can absorb one tonne of carbon dioxide,Delhi can make millions of dollars through carbon credits by planting trees alone.

Eight new tracts of land have been identified for city forests,which will be at Garhi Mandu (100 acres in the North Forest Division),Jagat Pur (North Forest Division),Gadai Pur (South Division),Rangpuri,Daurala,Malik Pur and Ambrahi (all in the West Division) as well as land in Aya Nagar,where an extension to the existing Aya Nagar plantation will be made.

“We have obtained land for the city forests. In Garhi Mandu,the fencing of the land is also complete. Plantation will begin on Biodiversity Day,” said Environment Secretary J K Dadoo.

“The target is to plant three lakh trees this year,of which two lakh will be in the monsoon,” he said. The department has also moved files to notify the tracts as forest land. Of the 14 other city forests,not all are notified yet.