Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the first phase of the Green Delhi initiative by planting trees at the Triangular Park near ITO Chowk. The plan deals with steps to improve air quality in the National Capital Region. The initiative was launched in line with a detailed action plan submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to the Supreme Court after it demanded information on steps being taken to improve air quality and reduce air pollution in the Capital.

Points to Note

• The exercise will involve the greening of approximately 120 acres, which includes central verges, side verges and the kutcha portion under flyovers.
• Pollution absorbing shrubs such as Thevetianerefolia (Pila Kaner), Nerium oleander (Lal Kaner), Calliandrabrevipes (Powder puff) and Bougainvilleas and trees such a Ficusinfectoria (Pilkhan), Cassia Siamea will be planted.
• The Public Works Department (PWD), in a statement, said the greening will be completed within three months at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crores.
• Only treated water, being made available by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), will be utilised as part of the initiative.

The next phase of the programme, which will cover other areas, will begin in July and shall be completed by September, 2016.