Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally launched the Delhi government’s ambitious Mega Tree Plantation Drive, initiating a campaign to plant 70 lakh trees across the national Capital.
As part of the programme, Shah planted a sapling at the Central Ridge, an ecologically significant area that also accommodates the President’s Bodyguard.
The inaugural event was attended by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Members of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and Yogender Chandolia, along with Delhi Ministers Parvesh Verma and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
Supporting the citywide campaign, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has planned to plant nearly 600 trees along with 50,000 shrubs across its jurisdiction.
NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the civic body has already prepared over 50,000 planting pits to facilitate the large-scale exercise. He noted that the plantation drive will prioritise indigenous and climate-resilient species such as Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar and Amaltas.
The initiative will also include ornamental and native shrubs like Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily, and Murraya to improve ecological diversity and beautify public landscapes.
Chahal emphasised that tree plantation is a year-round commitment for the NDMC rather than a one-time event. He highlighted that the civic body has completed 31 consecutive Sunday plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – On Sunday’ campaign.
Besides the weekly initiative, the NDMC regularly organises plantation activities during national celebrations, public programmes and other special occasions.
According to Chahal, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), educational institutions and residents have actively contributed, turning the campaign into a strong example of Jan Bhagidari.
The NDMC currently manages nearly 1,450 acres of green areas, including iconic parks, neighbourhood parks, school campuses, roundabouts, market gardens, and around 15,000 roadside trees.
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