The Delhi government claims that the city's green cover has increased from 26 sq. km to 88 sq. km in the past two years. The forest department has also been emphasising the need to develop more green areas to control pollution and strengthen the underground water table. However, contrary to the city government's claims, trees are being cut to make way for a DTC bus depot in East Delhi. Meanwhile, most of the trees have already been cut, auctioned and removed from the site. According the the Green Action Plan 2001-2002, dense vegetation not only dilutes poisonous gases but minimises effects of sulphur dioxide. As per this report, trees also act as buffer and reduce noise pollution.