As Delhi gears up for another monsoon season, the city's green landscape is set for a significant expansion under a large-scale plantation programme initiated by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) following directives from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Massive Afforestation Plan
The initiative aims to plant nearly 23 lakh native saplings across approximately 1,000 acres of land in the national capital, marking one of the city's largest urban afforestation exercises. Plantation work is scheduled to commence in the first week of July and continue until mid-September.
Coverage Areas
The programme will encompass 675 DDA parks, four Ridge areas including the South Central Ridge, Nanakpura Ridge, Central Ridge and Northern Ridge, along with six biodiversity parks, identified intervention zones and green corridors across Delhi.
Review Meeting Directives
The plantation drive follows a review meeting held in May, during which the Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to intensify efforts to improve Delhi's green cover and ecological health. According to the DDA, Sandhu has consistently emphasised ecological restoration, environmental sustainability and expansion of green spaces in the capital. He has also stated that he and his office will monitor the progress of the plantation campaign.
Focus on Native Species
The afforestation programme focuses on planting native and climate-resilient species, including trees, shrubs and bushes. The DDA said the exercise is intended to strengthen biodiversity, improve ecological resilience and enhance environmental sustainability across the city.
Ecologically Sensitive Areas
Special attention will be given to ecologically sensitive areas, including Ridge and Aravalli landscapes, Yamuna floodplain regions, biodiversity parks, urban forests, roadside and drain-side green corridors, as well as institutional and community green spaces. The initiative seeks to protect Delhi's Ridge ecosystem while improving ecological connectivity between the city's green zones.
Environmental Benefits
According to the DDA, the programme is expected to contribute to improved air quality, groundwater recharge, habitat creation and overall urban livability. It also aims to strengthen carbon sequestration potential and improve microclimatic regulation through increased plantation of native species.
Preparatory Work Underway
Preparatory work has already begun across identified sites, including land demarcation, soil preparation, pit digging, irrigation planning, species selection, nursery stock strengthening and the development of maintenance and monitoring mechanisms intended to support the long-term survival of plantations.
Broader Strategy
The authority said the plantation drive forms part of its broader strategy to create interconnected ecological networks and strengthen Delhi's environmental infrastructure through landscape restoration and urban afforestation measures. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to increasing the capital's green cover while supporting long-term climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
