New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Under the stewardship of Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu, the DDA has planted over 6.62 lakh saplings within a few days, including more than 37,000 trees and over 6.25 lakh shrubs, achieving nearly 30 per cent of its target of 23 lakh plants under the ongoing Mega Plantation drive, an official said on Sunday.
Sandhu, who is also the Chairperson of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), had directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to take measures for ecological restoration, environmental sustainability and expansion of Delhi’s green infrastructure.
The L-G instructed that constant monitoring should be ensured by the departments so that plants that are planted should also survive, said an official statement.
The ongoing plantation drive, which commenced in the first week of July and will continue up to mid-September 2026, focuses on planting native and climate-resilient species, it said.
Besides enhancing biodiversity, the plantation drive aims to strengthen carbon sequestration potential, improve microclimatic regulation and enhance ecological connectivity across Delhi’s green systems, said the statement.
It is also expected to contribute significantly towards improving air quality, groundwater recharge, habitat creation and overall urban liveability, it said.
On July 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Mission 70 lakh plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign, which includes 23 lakh plantation drive by the DDA, said the statement.
The drive also seeks to transform the plantation into a people’s movement, and for this, the DDA has partnered with Resident Welfare Associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, volunteer groups, and corporate institutions to encourage active public participation and foster a sense of shared ownership towards Delhi’s green assets, it said.
The plantation drive is being undertaken at multiple locations across Delhi, including 675 DDA parks, the four Ridge areas, namely South Central Ridge, Nanakpura Ridge, Central Ridge and Northern Ridge, as well as six biodiversity parks under identified intervention zones and green corridors.
–IANS
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