Union Home Minister Launches Ambitious Tree Plantation Campaign
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched Delhi's ambitious 'Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign' under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. The campaign includes an extensive ecological restoration plan aimed at transforming the Capital's Ridge into its 'green lungs'. Shah planted saplings at the Central Ridge and Nanakpura Ridge to kick off the drive.
Restoration of Ridge Forest Over Four Years
Shah announced that the Centre and the Delhi Government will work together to restore nearly 6,300 hectares of Ridge forest over the next four years. The plan involves planting more than one crore native trees, along with lakhs of shrubs, bamboo, and climbers. Invasive species such as acacia, which have spread across parts of the Ridge, will be gradually replaced with indigenous species including peepal, banyan, neem, arjun, and jamun.
Legal Protection for Ridge Land
The Delhi Government has revived a process pending for nearly three decades by notifying around 5,000 hectares of Ridge land as forest, providing it legal protection. Shah emphasized that the government would ensure conservation of the Ridge's biodiversity, soil, and water through legal safeguards while restoring the fragile ecosystem.
Theme-Based Forests and Water Bodies
The afforestation programme goes beyond tree planting. The government plans to create theme-based forests such as Nakshatra Van, Rishi Van, and Tirthankar Van. Additionally, more than 70 water bodies will be developed, archaeological structures restored, and biodiversity improved as part of a long-term ecological management plan.
Public Participation and Free Saplings
Appealing to residents to join the campaign, Shah urged Delhiites to plant a tree in the name of their mothers and use the newly launched green drive portal to register for plantation activities. He said more than 12 lakh saplings would be distributed free of cost across the city.
Yamuna Cleanup and Pollution Control
Linking environmental conservation with pollution control, Shah announced that the Delhi Government will soon sign an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board to convert cow dung from dairies into biogas and organic manure, preventing it from flowing into the Yamuna. He alleged that around 1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung had previously entered the river every day. He also stated that 129 sewage treatment plants are operational, with more planned as part of the Yamuna rejuvenation programme.
Electric Buses and Infrastructure Initiatives
Alongside the environmental initiatives, Shah flagged off 300 electric buses, inaugurated three new bus depots, dedicated an automated vehicle testing centre, and laid the foundation stone for a high-security prison in Narela.
Green Budget and Scientific Monitoring
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the plantation drive as one of the largest scientific ecological restoration programmes undertaken in a metropolitan city. She said the government had allocated Rs 22,236 crore under its Green Budget to support pollution control, forest conservation, clean transport, and green infrastructure. The campaign will involve schools, colleges, resident welfare associations, government departments, industries, and civil society groups. Every sapling will be geo-tagged and digitally monitored to improve survival rates.
Water Bodies and Forest Management
The government also announced that eight new water bodies would be developed in the Ridge to improve groundwater recharge and soil moisture. Scientific forest management plans prepared by the Forest Research Institute will guide conservation efforts over the coming decade.
