New Delhi, Sep 2 - To help reduce pollution level and increase the green cover in the capital, the Delhi government Wednesday announced it will develop nine new city forests by the year end.

'The development of these forests will help in reducing pollution level as well as increasing green cover in Delhi. The total number of (city) forests will increase to 32,' Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters while launching a tree plantation drive here.

'The green area of Delhi has gone up from 26 sq. km. to more than 320 km during the last 10 years,' Dikshit said.

Crediting the city's citizens for increasing the green coverof Delhi, Dikshit said: 'This has been possible only because of active contribution and cooperation of the citizens of Delhi. The preservation of trees is getting due care. The people of Delhi are vigilant and they immediately inform the administration about cutting of trees in their area.'

The government has made compensatory forestation mandatory wherein 10 saplings have to be planted on loss of a tree.

'The Delhi government has also started giving 30 percent rebate on purchase of an electric small car with an aim to reduce pollution level,' she said.