'Namo Oxygen Parks' open: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta vows plantation of 15 lakh saplings
New Delhi, June 5
Inaugurating 18 "Namo Oxygen Parks", Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced plans to plant more than 15 lakh saplings and hit out at the previous governments for not taking serious measures to improving the city's environment.
She jointly inaugurated the "Namo Oxygen Parks" with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and launched a series of environmental initiatives under the nationwide campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, a statement said.
Union Minister Yadav said the 18 Namo Oxygen Parks have been developed and inaugurated in Delhi to serve as urban green lungs that improve air quality, enhance biodiversity and provide recreational spaces for citizens.
Chief Minister Gupta called upon citizens to join the green drive to plant 15 saplings in a long-term sustained manner.
She suggested creation of local caretaking committees to nurture the saplings so that these grow into trees that clean the environment.
She said the Delhi government is just over a year old and during this period Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav have given valuable guidance on combating pollution.
The event, held at Namo Oxygen Park in Maidangarhi, marked a significant step towards strengthening urban greening, improving air quality, and promoting community-led environmental stewardship in the National Capital Territory, a statement said.
In a message on social media platform X, Chief Minister Gupta said, "On the occasion of World Environment Day, in the dignified presence of the Union Minister Bhupender Yadav ji, the Mega Plantation Drive was inaugurated, and 18 Namo Oxygen Parks were dedicated to the residents of Delhi."
"I urge all Delhi residents to join the esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodiji's 'One Tree in the Name of Mother' campaign, plant a sapling, care for it, and become a part of the Green Delhi Mission," she added.
In another video message, the Chief Minister said that this year the Delhi government will take pro-active measures to counter pollution, including wall-to-wall carpeting of all the roads to check dust clouds.
Earlier, Union Minister Yadav said that the Delhi government, in coordination with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is taking active measures to address major sources of air pollution, including road dust, vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
He added that these measures include installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, deployment of Air Pollution Control Devices, mechanised deep cleaning of roads and accelerated transition towards electric mobility.
The Union Minister noted that urban greening initiatives are being undertaken across the country through the development of Namo Vans and similar ecological assets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from the US, I find this initiative fascinating. India's pollution problem is well-known, and having local communities nurture saplings seems practical. But I wonder—are these parks actually accessible daily, or just for show? Delhi needs serious air quality fixes beyond trees.
Bro, 'Namo Oxygen Parks' sounds gimmicky but at least they're doing something. Previous governments promised everything and delivered nothing on environment. Rekha Gupta is just one year in—let's be patient and see if roads really get carpeted and dust stays down. Bjp ko credit do ya do nahi, greenery bhadti hai toh sabko fayda.
Positive step, but I worry about water supply in Delhi. Saplings need water, and the city already faces shortages. Hope they've planned for that alongside these 15 lakh plants. Also, online emission monitors are great—are these data public? Would love to see accountability.
👏👏 Finally some concrete steps for Delhi's air! But planting is just half the job. My garden society tried growing trees—half died because of neglect. So caretaking committees are crucial, but who funds them? Hope CM Gupta ji has thought this through. Also, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' is a beautiful campaign—emotional connect drives change.
Respectful critique: Why 'Namo' prefix on parks? Parks should be apolitical—let them be just 'Oxygen Parks' for all Delhiites. But okay, if trees grow and air improves, I'm fine. Also good that CAQM is involved—they actually know how to measure pollution. Hope this isn't just pre-election
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