New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) Seeking concerted efforts from citizens to protect environment, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today lauded the role of school children in making Delhi one of the "greenest" capitals in the world. Addressing a three-day 'Eco Meet' here, Dikshit said the school children were playing a "vital role" in encouraging elders to plant saplings and spread the message of environment protection by participating in various campaigns. Dikshit, particularly, praised the 2,000 odd eco-clubs operating in as many schools which have been working in the fields of environment protection. Noting the dangers of global warming, Dikshit also exhorted people to do more to protect the environment and requested children to inculcate habit of conservation of natural resources. Dikshit said people of India are generally environment conscious and there has been a rich tradition of conservation of natural resources, which has been affected due to fast urbanisation. Calling upon people to concentrate more on conservation of natural resources, she said the green area in Delhi has expanded from 32 sq km to 300 sq km during last 13 years. All the eco-clubs in the city are participating in the Eco-meet. An exhibition, showcasing various key issues like solid waste management, promotion of recycled paper, bio-diversity, air pollution, water pollution and energy conservation, has also been inaugurated on the occasion. PTI MPB
