Green Drive Portal Launched to Boost Public Participation in Afforestation
The Delhi Government on Wednesday launched the Green Drive Portal, an online platform designed to transform tree plantation into a mass movement. Citizens can now book plantation slots, request free saplings, and register as “Green Warriors” under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the portal, emphasizing that the initiative aims to enhance public involvement in the city’s afforestation efforts. She also announced that 70 lakh saplings will be planted across Delhi under the Ridge Forest Restoration Programme.
Key Features of the Portal
The portal offers four primary features: online booking of plantation slots; the ‘Vriksh Rath’ service, which delivers free saplings to schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and institutions with space for plantation; a nursery locator to help residents collect free saplings from government nurseries; and an “Environment Saviour” feature that enables citizens to volunteer for environmental activities and initiatives.
Chief Minister's Call to Action
“The campaign does not belong to the government alone. Every Delhiite can become a Green Warrior and contribute to making the Capital greener and healthier,” Gupta said. She urged residents to actively participate in the plantation drive and take ownership of the city’s environmental future.
Ridge Forest Restoration Programme
The Chief Minister stated that the Ridge Forest Restoration Programme will be formally launched later this month by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As part of this programme, the government plans to plant native species such as peepal, banyan, neem, arjun, jamun, and gular to scientifically restore the Delhi Ridge. This effort aims to improve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the city’s green cover.
Additional Initiatives
Besides the plantation drive, 300 new electric buses will be flagged off, along with the launch of new inter-state bus routes. These measures are part of a broader push to enhance sustainability and reduce pollution in the capital.
Environment Minister’s Remarks
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the portal has mapped plantation sites across all 70 Assembly constituencies, allowing residents to choose a convenient location and time for plantation. He noted that the initiative seeks to involve schools, colleges, RWAs, industries, and civil society groups in year-round plantation and environmental conservation activities. The goal, he added, is to ensure that every Delhiite plants and nurtures at least one tree.
