'Plant a tree after every five years to create oxygen bank'

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today said peoples' cooperation is needed to improve the quality of forests and to enhance their scientific management.
On International Forest day, Javadekar also urged people to plant at least 10-15 trees during their lifetime so that an 'Oxygen bank' can be created.
"Every person must plant at least 10-15 trees during one's lifetime and care for the trees, so that trees can create an Oxygen bank.
"Just as money is deposited in banks, each person must plant one tree after every five years to create the fixed deposit of an Oxygen bank," he said after undertaking a nature walk with school children at the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary here.

He said that one change that has been brought about in plantation of trees is that the plants, that have attained a height of up to 6 feet in nurseries, are planted to ensure high survival rate.
Terming students as agents of change, he said that it is "they who can nurture and enhance the sensitivity towards environment."

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain said that his government will spare no effort to make Delhi more green.
Both the Ministers also planted trees and gave away prizes to the children. Javadekar also released a heritage map on the occasion.

Children from various schools around Asola Bhatti sanctuary presented a street play highlighting the exploitation of Earth.
This year's theme of International Day of Forest is 'Forest and Water' with an aim to raise awareness about how forests are the key to the planet's supply of fresh water.