HM Amit Shah to launch 70 lakh tree plantation drive in Delhi today
New Delhi, July 7
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Tuesday inaugurate the Delhi government's ambitious drive to plant 70 lakh trees - a campaign that will be supported by the NDMC by organising a "Mega Tree Plantation Drive" at 34 locations.
Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said that under this special campaign, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has set a target of planting around 600 trees and 50,000 shrubs. More than 50,000 planting pits have already been prepared.
He said native, environmentally sustainable tree species, including Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar, and Amaltas, will be planted.
In addition, ornamental and native shrubs such as Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily, Murraya and several other species will be planted to enhance the biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of NDMC's green spaces.
Chahal stated that all NDMC Council Members, Heads of Departments (HODs), officers and employees will participate in the plantation drive by planting trees at different locations across the Council area.
He said that for NDMC, plantation is not merely a one-day programme but a continuous people's movement.
Under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam - On Sunday" campaign, NDMC has completed 31 consecutive Sunday plantation drives, he said.
Besides these weekly drives, plantation activities are also regularly undertaken during national festivals, special occasions and various public events, he said.
He added that the campaign has witnessed enthusiastic participation from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), schools, institutions and residents, making it a true example of Jan Bhagidari (people's participation).
Highlighting NDMC's environmental achievements, Chahal said that NDMC presently maintains 1,450 acres of green spaces, including six iconic parks, 122 colony parks, 981 CPWD-maintained parks, 52 school green areas, 51 roundabouts, 14 market gardens and nearly 15,000 avenue trees.
Despite covering only about 3 per cent of Delhi's geographical area, NDMC contributes nearly 55 per cent of the Capital's green cover, making it one of the greenest urban local bodies in the country.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the effort, but 70 lakh trees sounds like a lofty target. Let's see how many actually survive the next two summers. The "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign is a nice touch - emotionally connects with people. But the real test will be in the follow-up, not just the launch. Also, why does NDMC get only 3% of Delhi's area but contributes 55% green cover? That shows how pathetic the rest of Delhi's civic bodies are! 😡
Great to see this kind of urban greening initiative. In many cities worldwide, tree planting drives have proven to reduce heat island effects and improve mental health. The biodiversity angle here is smart - planting native shrubs and trees will attract local birds and insects. Hope this becomes a model for other Indian cities too! 😊
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, planting trees is always good. On the other, this feels like a photo-op before elections. The government has been cutting trees for road widening and flyovers across Delhi - this drive seems like greenwashing. Also, 600 trees for NDMC area is a drop in the ocean when Delhi needs millions. But yes, Jan Bhagidari is commendable - at least RWAs and schools are involved.
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality here is frightening. This tree plantation drive gives me some hope. I love that they're planting Peepal and Neem - these trees have cultural significance too. The 31 consecutive Sunday drives show consistency, which is rare in government projects. Kudos to everyone involved! 🌳🌿
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