India, Oct. 8 -- The Capital is set to get 17 new forests spread over nearly 195 acres, with the government preparing to begin plantation work as early as next month. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Tuesday that while 15 of these will be city forests - called Namo Van - two others will be dense Miyawaki forests in southwest Delhi.

Simultaneous tenders for all 17 forests have already been floated, officials said, adding that bids will be opened and awarded soon, officials aware of the matter said.

"These forests will come up largely on barren land, transforming unused stretches into green pockets," Sirsa said. "These will not only provide citizens with more green spaces to enjoy, but it will help in regulating temperat...