Ghaziabad:
Ghaziabad Development Authority will plant over 2.60 lakh saplings in its attempt to increase green cover of the city and curb the air pollution.
Addressing a press conference, GDA vice chairman Vijay Yadav said that a proposal was sent to the Uttar Pradesh government for approval to plant 16,2500 saplings in the city but it enhanced the number of trees and finally the GDA will plant 2,60065 saplings.
Mr Yadav said that GDA is planning to plant 40 species of trees and shrubs including Neem, Pipal, Jamun, Pilkhan, Gumohar, Kadamb, Gudhal, Bogan Villia.
"Plants of Harad, Bheda, Amla (tri-phala) and ivy of Giloy having medicinal value will also be planted," he said.
The drive will start from August 2, and the GDA in cooperation with RWAs, reputed builders, educational institutes, hotels, hospitals, civil defense personnel and environmentalists will take part in massive plantation drive.
People who wish to plant a sapling in the memory of their departed family members have been exhorted by the GDA to take part in the drive.
To protect the saplings, the authority is having a ready stock of 9,000 tree guards, he said.
"A patch of 100 acres of land has been identified near the city forest and very soon the authority will take possession of it," he said.
Saplings will also be planted along the road from UP Gate to Mohan Nagar intersection in the city.