New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the ‘Mission 70 Lakh Plantation’ campaign in Delhi, marking a major step towards increasing green cover and promoting environmental conservation in the national capital.
The initiative was launched under the ‘Eco Restoration Mega Plantation Programme Drive 2026’, which aims to restore degraded green spaces and strengthen Delhi’s environmental balance. During the event, several development projects were also inaugurated and foundation stones were laid.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the campaign is not just about planting trees but about restoring nature’s dignity and bringing back greenery to areas where it has declined over time.
Delhi Government Begins Mega Plantation Drive to Restore Green Spaces
Addressing the event, CM Rekha Gupta said that the plantation campaign reflects India’s traditional respect for nature and its commitment towards environmental protection.
She highlighted that Indian culture has always considered rivers as mothers, the earth as a mother, mountains as sacred, and trees as worthy of respect and protection.
According to the Chief Minister, the campaign represents a collective responsibility to protect nature while ensuring sustainable development.
Development and Environment Can Grow Together, Says CM Rekha Gupta
CM Rekha Gupta stated that development and environmental protection are not opposite goals but are complementary to each other.
She said the government’s vision is to transform Delhi into a city that combines modern infrastructure with clean air and extensive green spaces.
The Chief Minister said Delhi will become a city where there will be:
- Better roads and infrastructure
- Cleaner air
- Improved urban facilities
- Dense forests and green areas
She emphasised that economic growth must go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability.
Delhi’s Green Cover Reaches 25 Percent, Government Announces Green Initiatives
CM Rekha Gupta informed that Delhi’s green cover has increased to 25 percent.
She added that the government has allocated 22 percent of its total budget towards green initiatives to strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
The Chief Minister also announced that Delhi will adopt the Gujarat Oxygen Park model and develop 100 oxygen parks across the capital.
Work has already started on 18 oxygen parks as part of this initiative.
Every Tree in Delhi to Be Digitally Tracked and Tagged
The Delhi government has started online tracking and tagging of trees to ensure proper monitoring and maintenance.
CM Rekha Gupta said the objective is not only to plant trees but also to ensure their survival, protection, and long-term growth.
The digital tracking system will help authorities monitor plantation activities and improve tree conservation efforts across Delhi.
Delhi to Add 7,000 Electric Buses by 2026 Under Zero Emission Goal
Highlighting the government’s focus on reducing pollution, CM Rekha Gupta announced major plans for the transport sector.
She said that under the zero-emission target, Delhi will have:
- 7,000 electric buses by the end of 2026
- 14,000 electric buses by 2028
The initiative aims to reduce vehicular pollution and move Delhi towards becoming a cleaner and more sustainable city.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative Supports 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Target
The 70 lakh plantation campaign has been launched under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
CM Rekha Gupta thanked Amit Shah for his support and said coordination between the central and Delhi governments can help address major challenges effectively.
She said cooperation between both governments proves that collective efforts can bring significant positive changes in environmental protection and development.
Amit Shah and Delhi CM Plant Saplings at Central Ridge Area
Before the official programme, Amit Shah and Rekha Gupta planted saplings in the Central Ridge area of Delhi, where the President’s Bodyguard personnel are stationed.
The event was attended by several senior leaders and officials, including:
- BJP MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Praveen Khandelwal
- Delhi ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra
- Other government representatives and officials
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
- Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu
- Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood MP Bansuri Swaraj
The programme highlighted the importance of public participation in environmental conservation.
Focus on Making Delhi Clean, Green and Pollution-Free
The Mission 70 Lakh Plantation campaign is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to improve air quality, expand green spaces, and promote sustainable urban development.
The initiative highlights the importance of balancing urban development with environmental responsibility to build a sustainable future for the capital.
Read also: CM Rekha Gupta Launches Delhi EV Subsidy Portal Under EV Policy 2026, Offers Up to ₹1 Lakh Incentive
