New Delhi: The Delhi Forest Department is preparing to undertake a large-scale Miyawaki plantation drive near the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in South Delhi as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance green cover and strengthen urban biodiversity.
Under the proposed plan, around 40,000 saplings and 20,000 shrubs—totaling nearly 60,000 plants—will be planted over the next year.
Plantation Project Planned for 2025–26
According to a tender notice issued by the South Forest Division, the project will be implemented during the 2025–26 period.
Key details of the project include:
- Large-scale Miyawaki forest development
- Focus on dense, fast-growing native plantations
- Enhancement of ecological balance in the southern ridge area
Officials said the initiative is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to improve green buffers around ecologically sensitive zones.
Tender Process and Key Dates
The Forest Department has floated an e-tender for the project on May 8 under a two-bid system.
Important timelines include:
- Pre-bid meeting: May 20
- Bid submission deadline: May 29
- Technical bid opening: May 29
The process aims to ensure transparent selection of agencies for executing the plantation drive.
Focus on Miyawaki Method for Rapid Afforestation
The project will use the Miyawaki plantation technique, which is known for creating dense forests in a short period.
Advantages of the Miyawaki method include:
- Faster growth of native vegetation
- Higher survival rate of plants
- Improved urban biodiversity
- Effective land utilization in small areas
Officials said this approach is particularly suitable for urban and semi-urban ecological restoration projects.
Strengthening Green Zones Around Southern Ridge
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary has already witnessed several plantation initiatives in recent years.
The new project is expected to:
- Strengthen the green belt in South Delhi
- Support wildlife habitats
- Improve air quality in surrounding urban areas
- Enhance ecological stability in the southern ridge region
The Delhi government has been actively focusing on expanding green cover in environmentally sensitive areas.
Project Supervision and Implementation
The plantation drive will be supervised by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Division.
Officials said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to urban forestry, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable environmental development.
The large-scale Miyawaki plantation drive by the Delhi Forest Department near the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to significantly enhance green cover in South Delhi. With 60,000 saplings and shrubs planned under the 2025–26 program, the project marks a major step toward urban afforestation and ecological restoration in the capital.
Read also: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Declares 673 Hectares of Central Ridge as ‘Reserved Forest’ in Major Green Push
