``It is the natural thing to do when almost a hundred acres of forests are disappearing every minute in our country. The tangible plans of the drive are greening the Capital -- particularly in areas of high population density, busy intersections, flyovers and traffic junctions -- by planting bamboo, neem and gulmohar trees. In numerical terms, the target of planting 8 lakh saplings in the next three years, has been set, '' explains Mehndi.

So what is the real motive behind the campaign? A genuine empathy for all causes green, or more publicity for the star?

``Publicity? I don't need activism to get publicity. My songs do that for me,'' protests the only Asian artist to getthe British Royal Academy Award in the 20th century. ``I undertook the drive to shake people out of their inactivity in the face of administrative failures. Even in a city like Delhi, which has a sizeable chunk of educated population, people don't do a thing about the heaps of litter gathering in their neighbourhood till the stench becomes unbearable. I have reached a stage in my life where I can choose a lifestyle unaffected by pollution, stench and grime. But I love my city and want others to join me in the effort.''

It was these strong views along with his celebrity status that perhaps got Mehndi membership to Delhi chief minister Sahib Singh's task force, constituted some months ago to combat air pollution in the Capital.

Mehndi, who played a vital role in putting Bhangra Pop on the world music map, claims to have planted 2.5 lakh saplings already in the West Delhi localities of Keshopur, Peeragarhi and Janak Puri. DMGD members have earmarked five more zones in the Capital for greening: the ITO andMayapuri flyover intersections; the stretch alongside the big open drain (Ganda Nala) flowing from Nangloi to Najafgarh; the Jail Road leading to Tihar; the West Delhi colonies of Tilak Nagar and Khyala; and the Nangal Raya bridge.

``I want hands-on involvement from all participants in the drive. That is why I've put my professional obligations aside for the time being to plunge headlong into the venture along with 72 employees working full-time on the project,'' says Mehndi.

Besides championing environment restoration, Mehndi has a special place in his heart for charity. He has raised Pound 5,00,000 for the Cancer Aid Society through a series of shows in the UK and Dubai and has joined hands with organisations such as the Red Cross Society, the Police Welfare Society and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund on many an occasion.

Mehndi also sets aside a portion of his earnings for the Daler Mehndi Food for Life Society. Through this society, people from all sections of the society are provided foodround-the-clock, at a langar (common kitchen) facility on the outskirts of the city.

Back from a charity performance in Vadodara for the Gujarat chief minister's Relief Fund in aid of cyclone victims, he ruminates over the poison in the Delhi air. ``The number of asthmatic patients, tuberculosis victims and people suffering from other breathing ailments is spiralling. While conceding that the civic authorities are not doing enough, we should not shirk away from discharging our own duties. I am not asking for funds from the general public. But they could pitch in by providing us tilling equipment, trucks, tractors, water tankers and even manual labour.''

``We are also involving schoolchildren in the drive by asking for help in planting the saplings. Children aged 15 and above could provide assistance by tilling the land, sowing seeds and sprinkling water. Also, as an incentive to them, one student from each school will be sponsored by DMGD to study environmental engineering after school,'' revealsMehndi.

For the present, Mehndi is using his celebrity status to draw people to afforestation and environmental causes. But what will happen if he loses interest, or his professional engagements gain priority? ``Though that is a near impossibility, I think my efforts would inspire other celebrities to take up such causes,'' concludes the singer, who claims most of his compositions are inspired by nature.