Asking people to do more to protect the environment, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday said her government was making efforts to further increase the green cover in the city.

"We are making all efforts to further increase the green cover in the city. Delhi is now one of the greenest cities in the world," she said, speaking at a function in New Delhi to mark World Forestry Day.

The chief minister, who also planted a sapling on the occasion, said that despite the development of various infrastructure, the government has been persistently adding to the green cover of the state.

"The green cover has increased from 1.48 per cent (22 sq km) in 1993 to 20.20 per cent (299.58 sq km) in 2007 of the total geographical area of the city," she said, adding, "The people as well as the government must do more to protect the environment".

Delhi has a total geographical area of 1483 sq kms.

The chief minister, credited for various eco-friendly initiatives, said the adjoining pockets on both sides of Ring Road Bypass were being developed as green areas.

While appreciating the role played by children in the expansion of Delhi's green cover, Dikshit underlined the importance of taking proper care of saplings.

World Forestry Day was on Monday celebrated around the world to remind people about the importance of forests and the benefits which we derive from them.

This day aims to increase public awareness on production, protection and recreational aspects of forests on sustainable basis.

2011 is also being celebrated as International Year of Forestry.