Central Vista Tree Transplant Survival Rate Stands at 57%, Government Informs Lok Sabha
In a significant revelation, the Indian government has disclosed that only 57% of trees transplanted as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project in Delhi have survived. This information was provided to the Lok Sabha on Thursday by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in a written reply to a question posed by TMC MP Mahua Moitra.
Detailed Breakdown of Tree Transplantation and Mortality
According to the ministry's data, a total of 3,609 trees were transplanted during the project. However, post-transplantation, 1,545 trees died, resulting in the survival rate of just over half. The transplantation efforts were spread across multiple sites within the Central Vista area.
Specifically, from the new Parliament building site, 402 trees were relocated to the NTPC Eco Park in Badarpur and the Parliament House complex. Additionally, 38 trees from the General Pool Office Accommodation (GPOA-2) were shifted to the Yamuna riverbank to mitigate environmental impact.
Further relocations included 1,734 trees from the Common Central Secretariat buildings 1, 2, and 3, which were moved to the NTPC Eco Park. Similarly, 390 trees from the Vice President's Enclave were transplanted to the NTPC Eco Park and within the enclave area itself, aiming to preserve green cover amidst construction activities.
Financial Expenditure on Transplantation and Afforestation
The ministry also detailed the financial aspects of the transplantation and afforestation efforts over recent years. In 2023-24, the expenditure amounted to Rs 35.9 lakh, which increased to Rs 122.9 lakh in 2024-25. Notably, the allocation saw a substantial rise to Rs 370.3 lakh in 2025-26, indicating heightened focus and investment in environmental measures as the project progresses.
This data underscores the challenges and costs associated with large-scale urban redevelopment projects, particularly in balancing infrastructure development with ecological conservation. The survival rate of transplanted trees has become a point of scrutiny, reflecting broader concerns about environmental sustainability in India's capital city.
