New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is undertaking a large-scale ecological restoration programme across the Delhi Ridge, with plans to plant 23 lakh indigenous saplings across Delhi under the 70 Lakh Plantation Mission of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The initiative aims to move beyond conventional plantation drives and focus on restoring self-sustaining native forest ecosystems. The programme is being implemented in line with the approved Working Plan for the Delhi Ridge, with an emphasis on strengthening Delhi’s biodiversity, environmental resilience and natural infrastructure.
DDA Undertakes Ecological Restoration Across 120 Hectares
The DDA has taken up ecological restoration work across nearly 120 hectares covering key Ridge areas, including:
- South Central Ridge
- Central Ridge
- Kamla Nehru Ridge
- Nanakpura Ridge
As part of the restoration programme, around 16,240 invasive trees and shrubs are being removed. The plan includes planting nearly:
- 1 lakh indigenous trees
- 81,700 native shrubs
The objective is not simply to increase Delhi’s green cover but to restore the original structure, composition and ecological functions of the Ridge forests.
Over 8.29 Lakh Saplings Already Planted Across Delhi
The ongoing plantation season began in the first week of July 2026 and is scheduled to continue until mid-September 2026.
So far, the DDA has planted 8,29,313 saplings across Delhi, including:
- 35,570 trees
- 7,93,743 shrubs
Within the Ridge areas alone, 27,062 saplings have been planted, comprising:
- 12,506 trees
- 14,556 shrubs
The plantation drive is expected to continue during the ongoing planting season as the DDA works towards its larger target of planting 23 lakh indigenous saplings across the national capital.
Indigenous Tree and Shrub Species Being Planted
The ecological restoration programme focuses on indigenous species suited to the local environment.
The trees being planted include:
- Bargad
- Peepal
- Neem
- Sheesham
- Arjun
- Jamun
- Dhak (Palash)
- Dhau
- Khejri
Native shrubs being introduced include:
- Harshringar
- Karonda
- Phalsa
- Nirgundi
- Curry Leaf
The DDA said naturally occurring native vegetation is being retained and protected as part of the restoration process.
Scientific Grid-Based Plantation Model Adopted
A key feature of the DDA’s programme is its scientifically designed grid-based plantation model.
Under the system, each grid consists of:
- Five native trees
- Four native shrubs
The plants are positioned at carefully determined intervals to support:
- Optimum canopy development
- Healthy root growth
- Adequate sunlight penetration
- Efficient use of natural resources
The programme also incorporates Ficus clusters at regular intervals to improve the long-term ecological stability of the restored areas.
Multi-Tier Plantation to Recreate Natural Forest Structure
The restoration programme follows a multi-tier plantation model designed to recreate the layered structure of natural forests.
As the plantations mature, the restored areas are expected to provide improved habitats for:
- Birds
- Butterflies
- Other wildlife
The programme is also aimed at improving soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, enhancing groundwater recharge and strengthening the overall ecological resilience of the Delhi Ridge.
By focusing on native species and natural forest structures, the DDA seeks to develop healthier and more sustainable ecosystems rather than relying solely on increasing the number of planted trees.
DDA Seeks Public Participation in Delhi’s Greening Drive
The DDA is also working to transform the plantation initiative into a broader people’s movement by encouraging public participation.
For this, the authority has partnered with:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
- Educational institutions
- Religious organisations
- Corporate bodies
- Volunteer groups
The collaboration is aimed at encouraging citizens and organisations to actively participate in greening efforts across the national capital.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign Focuses on Native Green Cover
The DDA’s plantation programme forms part of the 70 Lakh Plantation Mission under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
With the authority entrusted to plant 23 lakh indigenous saplings across Delhi, the initiative represents a major push towards strengthening the city’s native green cover.
The ecological restoration of the Delhi Ridge, combined with the use of indigenous species and scientific plantation techniques, is expected to contribute to improved biodiversity, natural habitat restoration and greater environmental resilience in the capital.
Read also: Delhi Green Drive: DDA Plants 6.62 Lakh Trees and Shrubs, Completes 30% of Plantation Target
