DDA plans to plant 23 lakh native saplings in drive starting in July
New Delhi, June 11
The Delhi Development Authority has initiated an extensive plantation drive across the National Capital, with plans to nurture nearly 23 lakh native saplings comprising trees, shrubs and bushes, an official said on Thursday.
The drive, being launched from the first week of July at the instruction of Lieutenant Governor and DDA Chairperson T.S. Sandu, is proposed to be planted across approximately 1,000 acres of land, equivalent to nearly 4 square kilometres, across multiple locations in Delhi.
It would be undertaken at multiple locations across Delhi, including 675 DDA parks, four Ridge areas, namely South Central Ridge, Nanakpura Ridge, Central Ridge and Northern Ridge, as well as six biodiversity parks under identified intervention zones and green corridors.
He has said that he, as well as his office, will personally monitor the plantation drive as it progresses.
The proposed large-scale plantation programme aims to strengthen Delhi's green cover, enhance biodiversity, improve ecological resilience, and contribute to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable city, the statement said.
As per the directions of the Lieutenant Governor, the DDA is substantially expanding Delhi's green footprint and strengthening its ecological infrastructure. The initiative is expected to bring nearly 2.9 per cent of the city's total geographical area under a focused programme of urban afforestation and ecological restoration.
The proposed plantation activities are scheduled to commence in the first week of July and continue up to mid-September, focusing on increasing native and climate-resilient species.
These species will enhance biodiversity value, strengthen carbon sequestration potential, improve microclimatic regulation and enhance ecological connectivity across Delhi's green systems.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to improvements in air quality, groundwater recharge, habitat creation, and overall urban liveability, said the statement.
As per the instructions of the Lieutenant Governor, special emphasis is being laid on ecological restoration, climate resilience and protection of Delhi's vital Ridge ecosystem through focused interventions in Ridge and Aravalli landscapes, Yamuna floodplain areas, urban forests and biodiversity parks, as well as roadside and drain-side green corridors, institutional and community green spaces.
The preparatory works for the plantation drive are already underway and include site identification and demarcation, soil preparation and pit digging, development of irrigation arrangements, species selection based on ecological suitability, strengthening of nursery stocks and plantation logistics, as well as planning of maintenance and monitoring mechanisms to ensure sustainable growth, effective upkeep and long-term survival of the plantations, said the statement.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a fantastic initiative. Having lived in Delhi for a few years, I know how desperately the city needs more green cover. The focus on native species is especially smart — they're adapted to local conditions and support local wildlife. I hope other Indian cities follow suit.
Great plan on paper, but I've seen too many such drives fail due to lack of maintenance. Saplings need care for at least 3-4 years to survive. Will DDA allocate budget for regular watering and protection from encroachment? The Ridge areas are especially vulnerable. 🤔
Impressive scale — 1,000 acres is no joke. The mention of carbon sequestration and microclimatic regulation shows they're thinking about climate change seriously. I just wish they'd involve local communities in monitoring. When people feel ownership, trees survive better.
This is the kind of initiative Delhi needs — native species, ecological restoration, and focus on groundwater recharge. But I hope they don't just plant in patches. Green corridors connecting parks and Ridge areas would be more effective for wildlife movement. Also, please involve RWAs! 🏡🌳
As someone who works in environmental science, I applaud the emphasis on native and climate-resilient species. Too often, plantation drives use exotic plants that don't contribute to local ecology. The focus on Yamuna floodplains and Aravalli landscapes is particularly crucial. Let's hope the monitoring is as rigorous as promised.
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