In major step in reducing air pollution in the national Capital, Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday announced that the Delhi Government will carry out massive plantation drive by planting five lakh trees and shrubs in a single day this month. In a meeting in this regard, Hussain reviewed the preparations and directed officials of the "Department of Environment & Forest" to undertake mass awareness campaign so as to make the plantation drive an unprecedented and successful drive. The Government proposes to seek active involvement of local residents, resident welfare associations, market associations, school and college students etc. so that green cover of Delhi could be increased for combating the ill-effects of air pollution, Hussain said. "Delhi Parks & Gardens Society (DPGS) was directed to ensure free distribution of saplings so that the plantation drive could be carried out smoothly. All the greening agencies were directed to send the locations for proposed plantation to the forest department by Friday so that a comprehensive action plan could be prepared for the plantation drive," a Government official said. The Minister said there is a need to create mass awareness about plantation drive and the importance of green cover for the overall environment conservation and pollution control. He also sought active cooperation of all the greening agencies. The Minister directed all the agencies responsible to ensure the range of issue as soon as possible. Some of the directives including digging of pits, ensuring supply of manure, tree/ shrubs saplings and other essential facilities for the plantation drive. Hussain also emphasised upon providing good quality of saplings. He directed officials to plant tall/mature saplings so that it will grow faster during the ongoing monsoon season and have high survival rate. The meeting was attended by the environment secretary, member secretary of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and others.