In the lead-up to Harit Mahotsav, officers and staff from the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) New Delhi came together for a meaningful cause.
In collaboration with the Department of Environment Studies, Delhi University, and Delhi Development Authority, they conducted a plantation drive at Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
The objective was to supplement the conservation efforts of the Aravalli ecosystem.
Esteemed Participants and Expert Guidance
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Shri Surjit Bhujabal | Pr.DG, GSTI |
| Shri Samanjas Das | DG |
| Shri Rajesh Jindal | Pr. ADG |
| Shri B.B Gupta | Pr. ADG |
| Dr. M. Shah Hussain | Ecologist and Scientist in charge |
| Dr. Aisha Sultana | Ecologist |
| Dr. Dinesh Albertson W | Field Biologist |
| Dr. Rizwan Khan | Field Biologist |
| Dr. Dushyant Rathore | Field Biologist |
| Mr. Pradeep Pal Poonia | Supervisory Staff |
| Mr. Purushottam Pathak | Supervisory Staff |
This table showcases the esteemed individuals and experts who actively participated in the plantation drive, along with their respective designations.
Enriching the Local Flora
Planting Native and Endemic Species
The plantation drive focused on the introduction of approximately 200 plants of local, endemic varieties and natural strains that are native to the Aravalli ecosystem.
By planting these species, the aim is to enrich the local flora and prevent the degradation of the ecosystem.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to contribute to the conservation efforts of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
| Endemic Local Species | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Albizia lebbeck | Siris |
| Bauhinia acuminata | Kachnar |
| Diospyros mlntana | Tendu |
| Kydia calycina | Bharanga |
| Murraya paniculata | Kadipatha |
| Nyctanthes arbor-tristis | Harsingar |
| Sapindus trifoliatus | Rita |
| Sapindus emarginata | Another type of rita |
| Senegalia modesta | Phulai |
| Senegalia catechu | Khayar |
| Senegalia senegal | Kumttha |
| Stereospermum chelonoides | Patlaa |
| Terminalia bellirica | Baheda |
| Terminalia elliptica | Aasan |
| Wrightia arborea | Duthi |
| Wrightia tinctorea | Another duthi |
This table showcases the endemic local species planted during the drive, along with their corresponding common names.
Goals of the Plantation Drive
Promoting Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Awareness
This significant Plantation Drive serves multiple purposes.
Firstly, it aims to create awareness about the preservation of biodiversity and habitat.
Secondly, it seeks to conserve keystone species and protect threatened plant and animal species.
Thirdly, the initiative aims to establish field gene banks for threatened landraces and wild genetic resources.
Additionally, the drive promotes education on environmental awareness and nature conservation. It also focuses on establishing native communities of the Aravalli hills and the River Yamuna basin, particularly in the Delhi region.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to develop a mosaic of treatment and catchment wetlands, which will not only improve the water quality of untreated sewage but also sustain the rich aquatic flora and fauna of the Yamuna.
Lastly, the project aims to monitor short-term and long-term changes in the ecology of the Delhi region.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) in New Delhi, the Department of Environment Studies at Delhi University, and the Delhi Development Authority for the plantation drive at Aravalli Biodiversity Park demonstrates a commitment to preserving the region’s delicate ecosystem.
The initiative not only enriches the local flora but also promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
By focusing on the conservation of keystone species, establishing gene banks, and enhancing water quality, this project contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Aravalli ecosystem and the Delhi region as a whole.
Sources: THX News & The Government of India.
