It will be spread over six acres and is expected to stock 3,500 tree species NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government's Environment and Forests Department began work on the Capital's fifth new city forest at Rewla-Khanpur-II in Najafgarh Block here on Tuesday. Over 200 schoolchildren from nearby localities planted more than 2,000 saplings in the presence of State Principal Secretary P.K. Tripathi. "The Government has striven hard to enhance the green cover from just 26 sq. km. to more than 320 sq. km. during the past eight years, which is, no doubt, a big achievement,' Mr. Tripathi said. Requesting all the departments concerned to ensure compensatory forestation on cutting of trees for development activities, Mr. Tripathi said the Government had also commissioned a tree helpline to boost protection of trees. "During this year, the Delhi Government would develop another four city forests taking the number of city forest up to 32,' he added. The city forest at Rewla-Khanpur-II is the latest addition to Delhi's existing green lungs. Spread over six acres with a proposed stock of 3,500 tree species, the location is envisaged to be developed into a city forest keeping in view the principles of local ecology. Besides creating urban green spaces for combating the problems of pollution, mitigating the effects of urban islands, atmospheric purification, reduction of pests and diseases, the forested landscape is expected to develop the potential habitat for migratory wildlife. The species considered for plantation in the city forest and blocked plantation include