DDA plants 6.62 lakh saplings out of targeted 23 lakh this season
New Delhi, July 19
Under the stewardship of Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu, the DDA has planted over 6.62 lakh saplings within a few days, including more than 37,000 trees and over 6.25 lakh shrubs, achieving nearly 30 per cent of its target of 23 lakh plants under the ongoing Mega Plantation drive, an official said on Sunday.
Sandhu, who is also the Chairperson of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), had directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to take measures for ecological restoration, environmental sustainability and expansion of Delhi's green infrastructure.
The L-G instructed that constant monitoring should be ensured by the departments so that plants that are planted should also survive, said an official statement.
The ongoing plantation drive, which commenced in the first week of July and will continue up to mid-September 2026, focuses on planting native and climate-resilient species, it said.
Besides enhancing biodiversity, the plantation drive aims to strengthen carbon sequestration potential, improve microclimatic regulation and enhance ecological connectivity across Delhi's green systems, said the statement.
It is also expected to contribute significantly towards improving air quality, groundwater recharge, habitat creation and overall urban liveability, it said.
On July 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Mission 70 lakh plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign, which includes 23 lakh plantation drive by the DDA, said the statement.
The drive also seeks to transform the plantation into a people's movement, and for this, the DDA has partnered with Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, volunteer groups, and corporate institutions to encourage active public participation and foster a sense of shared ownership towards Delhi's green assets, it said.
The plantation drive is being undertaken at multiple locations across Delhi, including 675 DDA parks, the 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.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an environmental scientist, I appreciate the focus on native and climate-resilient species. The emphasis on ecological connectivity and carbon sequestration shows some thoughtful planning. However, 23 lakh saplings is a huge target - I'm curious how they'll ensure adequate irrigation infrastructure in Delhi's water-stressed summers. Let's see if this becomes a real movement or just another photo op.
Finally! As a resident of South Delhi, I've seen our Ridge areas getting degraded over the years. This is a welcome initiative. But why stop at just planting? We need to convert more unused government plots into mini forests. Also, the role of RWAs is crucial - we're ready to adopt and maintain parks near our societies. Let's make Delhi truly green! 🌳
Good effort no doubt, but 23 lakh target for a city like Delhi seems overambitious. The air quality in NCR is terrible - planting trees is just one piece of the puzzle. Also, why is the L-G focusing on this while Delhi lacks proper waste management systems? I hope they also focus on banning stubble burning in neighboring states, which is the real culprit for pollution. 🙏
I moved to Delhi from the UK last year and was shocked by the pollution. This initiative gives me hope. The 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign is a beautiful concept - planting in honor of mothers brings emotional connection. I'm volunteering with an NGO that partners with DDA on this. If every Delhiite plants just one tree, imagine the impact! Let's go green, Delhi! 🌏
K Kavya N It's nice to see We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.