'Stop using plastic bag': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's call to citizens
New Delhi, July 3
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday called upon citizens to join environment conservation and observe International Plastic Bag Free Day by switching to green options.
International Plastic Bag Free Day, observed globally on July 3, raises awareness about the severe environmental and marine impacts of single-use plastic bags. It promotes sustainable, reusable alternatives to reduce global plastic pollution.
In a message on X, the Chief Minister said, "On International Plastic Bag Free Day, let us take a pledge that is not limited to just today, but becomes a part of our everyday habits."
"Carry a cloth or jute bag when stepping out of the house, avoid using single-use plastic bags entirely, and contribute to building a clean, green, and plastic-free Delhi through your small efforts," said CM Rekha Gupta.
Earlier in the day, CM Gupta launched the Green Drive Portal under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, reaffirming the government's commitment to planting 70 lakh saplings across the national capital.
Launching the initiative, the Chief Minister urged every Delhiite to become part of the mass plantation drive and contribute towards building a greener, cleaner, and healthier Delhi.
Through the portal, citizens can book slots for the Mega Plantation Drive, register as an Environmental Saviour, and reserve free saplings from the nearest government nursery by visiting greendrive.delhivanmahotsav.in.
Under the 'Vriksh Rath' initiative, expert teams from the Forest Department will facilitate plantation at homes, educational institutions, residential colonies, and other suitable locations by providing free saplings, equipment, and technical assistance.
The plantation drive will focus on native and long-living tree species, including Peepal, Banyan, Gular, Neem, Arjun, and Jamun. The Delhi government also plans to develop 100 Oxygen Parks across the city as part of its green initiative.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Green Drive Portal has categorised plantation sites across all 70 Assembly constituencies, allowing citizens to book slots by constituency or location at their convenience.
He added that the campaign extends beyond designated plantation sites to encourage greening of homes, educational institutions, and rooftop gardens wherever space allows.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the initiative for planting 70 lakh saplings. However, I'm skeptical about the survival rate of these trees. In many past plantation drives, saplings died due to lack of watering and care. The government should also appoint local caretakers and involve RWAs to ensure these trees actually grow into mature ones.
Small steps but meaningful ones! I've already started carrying cloth bags and my kids also remind me about it. The 'Vriksh Rath' initiative sounds promising - professional help for planting at home would encourage more people. Hope they also provide guidance on which native trees to plant based on space availability. 🌱
Good to see the government taking action on environment, but I wish they would also address the garbage problem in the city. What's the point of planting trees if the Yamuna is still polluted and streets are filled with trash? Need a holistic approach - not just tree plantation but waste management too.
The Green Drive Portal is a great digital initiative! Just checked it out - very user-friendly interface. I booked a slot for next weekend to plant a neem tree at my colony park. The fact that they provide free saplings and technical assistance removes all excuses for not participating. Well done, Delhi government! 👍
My grandmother still uses cloth bags like she did in her youth - she'll be happy to see this trend coming back! But I'm concerned about the 100 Oxygen Parks plan - will these be in every area or only in posh colonies? Hope the government distributes them equally across all parts of Delhi.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.