New Delhi: In a major step to tackle rising air pollution and deteriorating air quality in the capital, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to launch an extensive urban afforestation programme. Under the initiative, around 23 lakh native trees will be planted across Delhi to improve air quality, reduce heat stress, and strengthen the city’s ecological balance.
Officials said the large-scale plantation drive aims not only to improve present-day living conditions but also to build a sustainable and livable city for future generations.
1,000 Acres to Be Covered Under Mega Plantation Drive
The mega urban forestry programme will span approximately 1,000 acres (around 4 sq km), covering nearly 2.9% of Delhi’s total geographical area.
The drive will begin in the first week of July and continue till mid-September, with a strong focus on improving environmental quality and public health in the national capital.
Authorities emphasized that this is not just a routine plantation exercise but a scientifically planned ecological restoration initiative.
Focus on Air Quality, Climate Control and Urban Cooling
The plantation initiative is expected to significantly improve Delhi’s environmental conditions by:
- Enhancing carbon absorption capacity
- Reducing PM2.5 and PM10 pollution levels
- Increasing oxygen output and air quality
- Lowering urban heat by 3–5°C through shade and transpiration
- Reducing heat trapped by concrete and asphalt surfaces
Officials said the initiative will act as a natural “green filter” for the city’s polluted air.
Native Species to Be Prioritized for Higher Survival Rate
The DDA’s forestry division has emphasized the use of native tree species, shrubs, and climbers, which are better adapted to Delhi’s soil and climate conditions and have higher survival rates.
The plantation drive will be carried out across:
- 675 parks in Delhi
- Southern and Central Ridge areas
- Nanakpura, Central Ridge, and Northern Ridge zones
Special ecological restoration work will also be undertaken in the Aravalli landscape and Yamuna floodplains to revive biodiversity and restore natural habitats.
Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Revival
The programme aims to bring back lost biodiversity by restoring green cover across key ecological zones. Officials said the initiative will help revive habitats for birds, insects, and small wildlife species, improving the overall urban ecosystem.
The plantation drive is also expected to strengthen ecosystems around the Yamuna and other water bodies, improving groundwater recharge and soil health.
Advanced Planning and Monitoring Mechanism
Preparatory work such as pit digging, soil preparation, and strengthening nursery stock has already begun.
The entire project will be closely monitored, with the Lieutenant Governor’s office overseeing progress. Authorities have ensured continuous tracking and maintenance to improve long-term survival rates of the plantation.
Why This Mega Plantation Drive Matters for Delhi
With a population of over 2.5 crore, Delhi faces severe challenges related to pollution, heatwaves, and shrinking green spaces.
Experts believe the initiative will:
- Act as a natural air purification system
- Reduce greenhouse gas concentration
- Help control rising urban temperatures
- Improve rainfall absorption and groundwater recharge
- Strengthen climate resilience in the capital
A Green Shield for Delhi’s Future
The DDA’s mega urban forestry programme represents a significant step toward making Delhi more livable, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable. By focusing on native species and scientific plantation methods, the initiative aims to create a long-term green shield against pollution and climate change impacts.
