New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday said the government is making efforts to further increase the national capital city's green cover.

The chief minister planted a sapling and joined 200 school children to mark the World Forestry Day.

She urged the city residents to protect the environment and the greenery around the capital.

"Delhi is now one of the greenest cities in the world," Dikshit said, adding that the state government is sensitive to Delhi's environmental needs.

"The green cover of the national capital has increased from 1.48 percent (22 sq km) in 1993 to 20.20 percent (299.58 sq km). It comprises of 123 sq km of tree cover and 176.58 sq km of forest cover," the chief minister pointed out.

Delhi's environment and forest department has also developed 48 city forests.

The World Forestry Day has been celebrated around the world for the past 31 years to remind communities of the importance of forests and the benefits which humans derive from them