Delhi to plant five lakh seedlings

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) The Delhi government will plant five lakh seedlings to increase forest cover in the capital, an official said Sunday.

While civic bodies, hospitals and educational institutes will be roped in for the same, the seedlings will be made available to the people for free at select Mother Dairy booths and petrol pumps.

"Free seedlings will be distributed to the people to enable them to plant them in their own backyards and gardens," said an official of the forest department.

According to the India State of Forest Report 2013, Delhi's forest cover saw a marginal increase of 3.61 square km.

The Indian Army's eco task force, which is already working towards restoration of ravines in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on the southern outskirts of the capital, will also plant two lakh seedlings during the monsoon season.