Delhi CM Gupta joins 70 lakh tree plantation drive, urges public participation in city's mega afforestation campaign
New Delhi, July 13
Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, on Monday participated in the city's ambitious 70 lakh tree plantation drive by planting a sapling in the Model Town area as part of the ongoing large-scale afforestation campaign aimed at increasing the national Capital's green cover.
The plantation drive, which is being carried out across different parts of Delhi, seeks to promote environmental conservation through active public participation. The campaign was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7 and has witnessed the involvement of government departments, civic agencies, resident welfare associations and citizens.
Speaking after planting the sapling, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi government has been conducting plantation programmes across the city under the Mass Plantation Drive while encouraging residents to become active participants in the initiative.
"Tree plantation programmes are being carried out continuously across Delhi under the Mass Plantation Drive. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched this campaign on July 7. The Delhi Government invited public participation through a dedicated portal, where people could book time slots to take part in the plantation drive. Citizens then visited the designated locations and actively participated in planting saplings..." she said.
The Chief Minister said the initiative is aimed at making tree plantation a mass movement by enabling citizens to contribute directly to environmental protection. The government has facilitated public participation by allowing people to register through an online portal and choose convenient time slots for plantation activities at designated locations across the city.
The 70 lakh tree plantation drive forms part of Delhi's broader efforts to improve air quality, increase green cover and promote ecological sustainability. Officials said saplings are being planted at parks, institutional campuses, roadside green belts and other identified locations with the support of various government agencies and volunteers.
The campaign has also received support from local communities and resident welfare associations, with citizens participating in large numbers to help achieve the plantation target.
Earlier on Sunday, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal led a mass plantation drive at Gole Market under the '#EkPedMaaKeNaam OnSunday' campaign, which has now entered its 32nd consecutive edition.
Chahal planted saplings along with residents at the Central Government Employees RWA, Blocks 49-55, Type-III, Kali Bari Marg, Gole Market. According to an official statement, the campaign aims to transform environmental conservation into a people's movement through public participation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the programme, Chahal also interacted with Resident Welfare Association office-bearers and local residents under the 'Good Governance at Your Doorstep' initiative. He heard civic grievances and directed the officials to ensure their prompt and time-bound resolution.
Addressing the gathering, Chahal said the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam On Sunday' campaign has successfully completed 32 weeks, reflecting increasing public awareness and growing citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I registered on the portal and planted a sapling in my local park yesterday. It felt so empowering! My children also joined, and we made a family day out of it. Kudos to the government for making participation so easy. Let's green Delhi together! 🇮🇳🌳
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam is a beautiful campaign! But I worry about survival rates of these saplings. Are there plans to water and protect them during Delhi's harsh summers? Otherwise, 70 lakh plants will just become 70 lakh dry sticks.
I appreciate the effort, but announcements like this happen every monsoon season. What matters is the follow-up—maintenance, monitoring, and ensuring these trees actually mature. Also, why aren't we planting more native species that require less water? 🤔
Love seeing CM Gupta planting a sapling in Model Town! But why not involve RWAs more in planning? We locals know which areas need greening the most. This should be more participatory from the ground up, not just top-down. Still, every little step counts—well done! 🌿
Finally, a campaign where citizens can actually contribute! I booked a slot online and planted neem and peepal saplings with my neighbours. The portal worked smoothly. Hope this becomes an annual tradition, not just a one-time photo op. 👏🌳
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.