The Delhi Government on Wednesday launched the Green Drive Portal, an online platform enabling residents to book plantation slots, request free saplings, and register as “Green Warriors” under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta 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 main features: online booking of plantation slots, the ‘Vriksh Rath’ service delivering free saplings to schools, RWAs and institutions with space for plantation, a nursery locator for collecting free saplings from government nurseries, and an “Environment Saviour” feature enabling citizens to volunteer for environmental initiatives.
Government’s Vision
Launching the portal, CM Rekha Gupta stated, “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.” She added that the Ridge Forest Restoration Programme will be formally launched later this month by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Alongside the plantation drive, 300 new electric buses and new inter-state bus routes will also be flagged off.
Scientific Restoration and Native Species
The government plans to plant native species such as peepal, banyan, neem, arjun, jamun, and gular as part of a scientific restoration of the Delhi Ridge to improve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and green cover. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the portal has mapped plantation sites across all 70 Assembly constituencies, allowing residents to select a location and time for plantation.
Year-Round Conservation
The initiative aims to involve schools, colleges, Resident Welfare Associations, industries, and civil society groups in year-round plantation and environmental conservation activities, with the goal of ensuring every Delhiite plants and nurtures at least one tree.
