NEW DELHI: An action report, first of its kind, that details targets and achievements set by Delhi government’s department of environment and forests was released by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit here on Thursday on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Speaking at the function, Dikshit said reeling out statistics and releasing reports were futile unless a government had the support of its people.

‘‘Only if citizens participate can things become better,’’ she said. Great progress had been made with regard to air pollution in the city and a similar concentrated effort was required in other spheres as well, she pointed out. ‘‘We have been able to improve the greenery in about 700 acres on the Yamuna river bank also,’’ she added.

Greening Delhi Action Plan 2003-04 also provides guidelines for protecting and improving vegetation cover and gives a road-wise break-up of the number of trees that are supposed to be planned by 2004. A booklet titled ‘Towards Cleaner Air’ was also released at the function.

Among those present at the event were Delhi’s minister for environment and forests Deep Chand Bandhu and environment secretary Naini Jayaseelan. The programme also included an exhibition of art work by school children on the theme of environment.

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BANGALORE: The BCC on Thursday launched its Swachha Bangalore campaign 2003, a project for garbage clearance.

Explaining the project, commissioner M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy said it comprises a 10-point action agenda and stresses on 100 per cent door-to-door garbage collection and segregation of waste at source. The project has been taken up in association with the BATF.

The pourakarmikas, hired by private contractors, will come to each household and commercial establishment every morning to collect waste bags. With this, the BCC will gradually remove community bins in Bangalore. Garbage will be segregated as dry and wet waste at source, separately collected, transported and disposed of.

Recycling of waste such as paper, plastic, metals and glass will be taken up and dry waste will be transported to designated sorting centres. The new contract makes it mandatory for workers to collect debris and waste-building material from roads three days in a week and transport them to the designated dumping yards.

Day and night sweeping will be taken up apart from cleaning of private vacant sites. The BCC will freely distribute waste collection bags to every household and give guidelines about waste segregation. Citizens will also be involved to monitor door-to-door garbage collection and sweeping of roads. People can contact helplines for any grievance: 2221281, 9845024365, 2100031, 2100032.

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