Concerns raised on depletion in green cover

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 5

On the occasion of World Environment Day, acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal today raised concerns over the depletion in tree cover and bio-diversity, especially the variety of birds’ species in the national Capital. The two natural features of Delhi — Aravali Hill Range and Yamuna River — have been under constant environment threat despite monitoring by the Supreme Court and High Court in the past three decades, Mittal pointed out.

Mittal also stated that not only house sparrows, but the population of crows has also reduced over a period of time and the scavenging birds have increased causing imbalance in the natural eco-system of the city.

She emphasised the need for effective sewage treatment and scientific disposal and management of municipal solid waste so that the city could be saved from further environmental degradation.

The acting Chief Justice was addressing a gathering during an event organised jointly by the Department of Environment and Forest and Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) here.

On the occasion Environment Minister Imran Hussain underscored the need for minimising the use of plastic in daily life and while pointing out at non-biodegradability of plastic waste and how it results in water clogging and endangering life of cattle, especially cows. The theme of this year’s Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

The minister also dissuaded the use of plastic. Mittal also asked the gathering, especially schoolchildren to reuse, recycle and reduce the plastic in day-to-day life.

Hussain said the increase in green cover of Delhi attributing it to the all out efforts for plantation by the Environment and Forest Department and other green agencies of the city. He emphasised upon the role of children in environment conservation and tree plantation. He asked the children to spread the message of shunning plastic among people around.