New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has planted more than 6.62 lakh trees and shrubs across Delhi since the beginning of July as part of its monsoon plantation drive.
According to DDA officials, the authority has already achieved nearly 30% of its target of planting 23 lakh trees and shrubs during the current plantation season.
The campaign is being carried out across major green spaces of the national capital, including parks, ridge zones, biodiversity parks, and green corridors.
More Than 37,000 Trees and 6.25 Lakh Shrubs Planted So Far
Out of the total plantation completed by DDA:
- More than 37,000 trees have been planted
- Over 6.25 lakh shrubs have been added to Delhi’s green areas
The plantation drive began in the first week of July and will continue until mid-September.
Based on the total target, DDA still needs to plant around 16.38 lakh more trees and shrubs in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
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Plantation Drive Covers Parks, Ridge Areas and Biodiversity Zones
The DDA plantation campaign covers several important green areas across Delhi, including:
- 675 DDA-maintained parks
- Four Ridge zones
- Six biodiversity parks
- Identified ecological areas
- Green corridors across the city
The initiative aims to increase green cover while strengthening Delhi’s natural ecosystem.
Four Ridge Zones Included in Major Plantation Plan
The inclusion of Delhi’s four ridge zones is considered significant as the Ridge forms an important part of the city’s natural green network.
The plantation drive covers:
- South Central Ridge
- Nanaksar/Nanakpura Ridge
- Central Ridge
- Northern Ridge
These areas support several wildlife habitats and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the capital.
Part of Delhi’s 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign
The DDA’s 23 lakh plantation target is part of Delhi’s larger 70 lakh tree plantation campaign launched under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
The citywide campaign was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7, with different government departments assigned plantation targets.
DDA has been allocated the responsibility of planting 23 lakh trees and shrubs under this broader environmental initiative.
Focus on Native and Climate-Resilient Plant Species
Officials said that the plantation drive is focusing on the use of:
- Native plant species
- Climate-resilient varieties
- Environment-friendly plantation methods
The campaign also involves participation from:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
- Educational institutions
- Religious organisations
- Volunteer groups
- Companies and corporate organisations
The aim is to encourage public participation in increasing Delhi’s green cover.
NGT Order Highlights Need for Better Tree Protection and Monitoring
The plantation campaign comes shortly after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) raised concerns over tree protection and compensatory plantation practices in Delhi.
The tribunal described the management of tree conservation and compensatory plantation as being in a poor condition in a separate illegal tree-cutting case.
The NGT directed authorities to:
- Take action on pending plantation orders
- Maintain records related to illegal tree cutting complaints
- Publish five years of data on actions taken
- Monitor compliance with compensatory plantation directions
The order has increased focus on tracking plantations and ensuring that newly planted trees survive.
Post-Monsoon Maintenance Key to Plantation Success
Officials highlighted that planting trees is only the first step and long-term survival depends on regular maintenance.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed departments to regularly monitor newly planted trees and ensure their survival.
Key maintenance requirements include:
- Regular watering
- Protection from grazing and damage
- Proper soil conditions
- Continuous care after plantation
Special attention will be required after the monsoon season and during Delhi’s dry months to ensure the survival of young plants.
DDA Targets Completion of Plantation Drive by September
DDA officials said their immediate priority is to complete the remaining plantation work by mid-September.
While the environmental benefits of the plantation drive will take time to become visible, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on how many of the newly planted trees and shrubs survive after the monsoon season.
The survival rate of the 6.62 lakh planted trees and shrubs will remain a key measure of the success of Delhi’s ambitious green drive.
