Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate Delhi government’s initiative to plant 70 lakh trees, with the NDMC supporting the cause through a “Mega Tree Plantation Drive” at 34 locations, as announced by Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal.
Chahal revealed that the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) aims to plant approximately 600 trees and 50,000 shrubs under this special campaign, with over 50,000 planting pits already prepared. The plantation will focus on native, eco-friendly tree species like Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar, and Amaltas.
Moreover, ornamental and native shrubs such as Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily, Murraya, and others will be added to enhance biodiversity and the aesthetic appeal of NDMC’s green spaces. The participation in the plantation drive will include all NDMC Council Members, Heads of Departments (HODs), officers, and employees planting trees at various locations within the Council area.
Chahal emphasized that for NDMC, plantation activities are not limited to a single day but represent an ongoing people’s movement. The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – On Sunday” campaign has seen 31 consecutive Sunday plantation drives completed by NDMC, along with regular plantation activities during national festivals, special occasions, and public events.
The campaign has garnered active involvement from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), schools, institutions, and residents, showcasing a true example of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation). Highlighting NDMC’s environmental efforts, Chahal mentioned that the council presently maintains 1,450 acres of green spaces, including iconic parks, colony parks, CPWD-maintained parks, school green areas, roundabouts, market gardens, and avenue trees.
Despite covering only about 3% of Delhi’s geographical area, NDMC contributes nearly 55% of the Capital’s green cover, establishing itself as one of the greenest urban local bodies in the country.
