In a piece of good news, four new forests are being developed for cleaner air at Dera Mandi, Jaunapur, Aya Nagar and Mamurpur in Narela by Delhi Forest Department. Some of these forests are likely to be developed by the end of this year.
Features of the forest
Despite several infrastructure projects, Delhi is increasing its forest cover from 325 sq km to 350 sq km by the end of 2021. Currently, the National Capital has a total of 12 forests. These forests will have native trees, shrubs, smaller plants, cacti gardens, butterfly zones, herbal patches, waterbodies, gazeboes, cycling and walking tracks.
Delhi’s green cover
To boost Delhi’s green cover, the government is planning to develop 4 new forests.
| Year | Percentage | Area |
| 2019 | 21.9% | 324 sq km |
| 2017 | 20.6% | 308.4 sq km |
| 2015 | 20.2% | 299.8 sq km |
| 2013 | 20% | 297.8 sq km |
Five out of 12 forests in the national capital are spread over an area of 10 hectares. These are:
1- Nasirpur – 28 hectares
2- Alipur – 19.50 hectares
3- Mitraon Pocket B – 35.15 hectares
4- Taj Enclave – 56 hectares
5- Hauz Rani – 28 hectares
The Central Government has also launched Nagar Van Scheme, having an area between 10-14 hectares. The Centre has planned to plant 15 lakh saplings in Delhi while the Delhi Government is planning to plant 31 lakh saplings.
