New Delhi: The Delhi government has set an ambitious target to plant over 70 lakh trees, shrubs, and bamboo under the Green Action Plan (GAP) 2026–27, aiming to significantly enhance the city’s green cover and tackle rising pollution levels. The initiative will be implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with active participation from 22 government departments.
Multi-Department Drive to Boost Green Cover
Announcing the plan, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the plantation drive is not just about increasing tree numbers but about building a cleaner, healthier, and greener Delhi.
- A total of 22 departments have been assigned plantation targets
- The Forest and Wildlife Department will act as the nodal agency
- Progress will be monitored through the GAP portal for transparency and efficiency
The Forest Department alone has been given a target of planting over 27 lakh saplings, reflecting its central role in the campaign.
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Beyond Plantation: Focus on Sustainable Environment
Minister Sirsa emphasized that the initiative goes beyond tree plantation and represents a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. He stated that the government is working not only on pollution control but also on rapid expansion of Delhi’s green cover.
He also highlighted that making Delhi greener is a shared responsibility, calling for public participation in the campaign.
Inspired by ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative
The plantation drive is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, encouraging citizens to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers.
The initiative will adopt a multi-layered plantation approach to:
- Improve air quality
- Combat pollution
- Enhance urban biodiversity
- Increase overall green cover beyond last year’s levels
‘Viksit Delhi, Harit Delhi’ Vision
Earlier, during a press conference, CM Rekha Gupta described “Viksit Delhi, Harit Delhi” as not just a slogan but the government’s clear vision. The goal is to create a positive, safe, and prosperous environment where citizens can live with comfort and satisfaction.
Strengthening Environmental Governance
With structured monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and large-scale plantation targets, the Green Action Plan 2026–27 reflects Delhi government’s proactive approach to environmental governance.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in:
- Reducing air pollution
- Enhancing urban resilience
- Promoting sustainable urban development
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