Trees for Delhi

Why Trees?

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) constitute an Urban Ecosystem, distinguished by two prominent geographical features: the River Yamuna and the Delhi Ridge, also known as the Northern extension of the Aravalli hills. Covering a geographical area of 1,483 square kilometres, Delhi NCR is a vital hub of activity. However, this metropolitan city is also notorious for its hazardous air quality, which poses a grave threat to the health and safety of its residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city regularly fluctuates between the "poor" range (201-300) and the "very poor" range (301-400).

The 6th Annual World Air Quality Report reveals that the air quality in Delhi ranks worst among any city in the world.^[1] This dire situation is taking a devastating toll on the health of its residents, particularly its children, with a staggering 2.2 million, or half of all children in Delhi, suffering irreversible damage to their lungs. The grim reality is further underscored by the fact that nearly 40,000 individuals in India succumb to premature death annually due to air pollution, with 7,500 of these fatalities occurring in Delhi alone. To mitigate the harmful impact of air pollution, we need to plant trees as they play a key role in absorbing harmful gases and particulate matter while releasing oxygen. According to a study published in the Environmental Pollution journal, strategic tree plantation in urban areas like Delhi can significantly reduce air pollutants, improve overall air quality and public health.^[2] Delhi grapples with the urban heat island effect, resulting in elevated temperatures compared to its surrounding areas. Trees emerge as natural cooling agents, offering shade and facilitating evapotranspiration processes.

Avian diversity in Delhi is witnessing a concerning decline, exemplified prominently by the dwindling population of sparrows. Once ubiquitous in the region, sparrows are now confined to only select parts of the city. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Government of Delhi took a significant step in 2012 by declaring the sparrow as the State Bird of Delhi, aimed at bolstering conservation efforts for this iconic species. Urban green spaces, which include trees, foster diverse ecosystems and serve as habitats for a multitude of plant and animal species. A study featured in the Journal of Urban Ecology, underscores the significance of tree planting initiatives in Delhi. These efforts not only aid in preserving biodiversity but also strengthen the city's resilience to ecological challenges.^[3]

Tree Species

In this tree plantation initiative, species like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Sohajna (Moringa oleifera), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Ashok (Saraca asoca), Pilkhan (Ficus virens), Papri (Holoptelea integrifolia) and Burma Dek (Tectona grandis) are grown here. Some of these species are fruit-bearing, while others have medicinal properties.

Social Impact

Along with increasing forest cover, planting trees will improve the habitat for indigenous wildlife species, boost air quality and ecosystem. By acting as carbon sinks, they will help to compensate for the greenhouse effect through the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Upon maturity, each tree can absorb approximately 20 kg of CO2 per year which is considered globally as a conservative estimate for sequestration potential of trees.

Planting trees will aid in removing particulate matter from the atmosphere, particularly small particles which are responsible for major air-pollution-related health hazards. Trees along urban areas can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere within a few hundred metres of the plantation range.

These trees are aimed to prove beneficial in reducing topsoil erosion, decreasing the force of storms and down water runoff which in turn will help to replenish the groundwater table. Roots are especially beneficial for removing harmful nutrients from the aquifers. This also results in the overall reduction in street flooding and sedimentation in streams.

Not only this, planting trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and animals. They help to maintain and sustain the local biodiversity by improving natural habitats. Flowers, fruits, leaves, buds and woody parts of trees are useful to different species of birds and animals. Trees also provide shade, reduce water and air temperatures and contribute to the overall health of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by providing habitat, shelter and food to diverse species. Thus, the project also contributes positively to the United Nations 2030 agenda on Sustainable Development Goals on Climate Action (13) and Life on Land (15) with the promotion of large native forests.

Adoption Summary