Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, launched a comprehensive eco-restoration drive on Wednesday aimed at planting 70 lakh trees across the national capital. The initiative also saw the flagging off of 300 new electric buses, signaling a significant step towards sustainable urban development and pollution control.
Massive Afforestation Target
The eco-restoration drive, part of the Delhi government's 'Green Delhi' campaign, targets planting 70 lakh trees over the next year. Officials said the effort will focus on barren lands, riverbanks, and urban forests to enhance green cover and combat air pollution. The drive involves collaboration with the Forest Department, municipal corporations, and local communities.
Speaking at the event, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized the urgency of environmental action. "Delhi has been grappling with severe air quality issues. This massive tree plantation drive is not just about beautification but about ensuring a healthier future for our citizens. We aim to increase the city's green cover from 20% to 25% in the next three years," she said.
Electric Buses to Boost Green Mobility
In parallel, the Union Home Minister flagged off 300 electric buses, adding to Delhi's existing fleet of over 1,500 e-buses. The new buses will operate on key routes, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 1.2 lakh tonnes annually. Amit Shah lauded the initiative, stating, "The induction of these electric buses will significantly cut down vehicular pollution and set an example for other states. The central government is fully committed to supporting Delhi's green transition."
The buses, procured under the FAME-II scheme, are equipped with modern amenities including GPS tracking, panic buttons, and CCTV cameras. Each bus can carry up to 40 passengers and has a range of 200 kilometers per charge.
Holistic Approach to Pollution Control
The twin initiatives are part of a broader strategy to tackle Delhi's pollution crisis. The government has also announced plans to set up 50 new monitoring stations and enforce stricter emission norms for industries. "We are taking a multi-pronged approach—afforestation, electrification of public transport, and stricter regulations. This will yield tangible results," added CM Gupta.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move but stressed the need for sustained efforts. "Planting trees is crucial, but their survival rate must be ensured. Similarly, electric buses are a step forward, but we need to scale up renewable energy to charge them," said Dr. Ravi Agarwal, an environmental scientist.
Public Response and Future Plans
Residents expressed optimism about the initiatives. "I have been living in Delhi for 30 years. The air quality has worsened every year. These steps give us hope," said Sunita Sharma, a local resident. The Delhi government plans to involve schools and colleges in the tree plantation drive, aiming to plant 10 lakh trees through citizen participation alone. The target for the next fiscal year is to add 1,000 more electric buses.
