NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will launch a large-scale tree plantation campaign across 34 locations on July 7 as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, aimed at encouraging citizens to contribute to environmental conservation through public participation. The campaign will also align with the Delhi Government’s ambitious target of planting 70 lakh trees across the national capital.
Announcing the initiative, NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the plantation drive reflects the civic body’s continued commitment to expanding green cover while encouraging greater public involvement in environmental protection. He added that the campaign is being conducted under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and seeks to transform tree plantation into a sustained people’s movement.
600 Trees and 50,000 Shrubs Planned
According to NDMC, nearly 600 trees and around 50,000 shrubs will be planted across different locations under its jurisdiction. Preparations for the drive have already been completed, with more than 50,000 planting pits readied in advance to ensure smooth implementation.
The plantation will primarily include native and environmentally sustainable species such as Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar and Amaltas. Along with these trees, several varieties of ornamental and indigenous shrubs—including Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily and Murraya—will also be planted to improve biodiversity and enhance the visual appeal of parks, gardens and other green spaces maintained by NDMC.
Officials believe the selection of indigenous species will support ecological balance while strengthening the city’s long-term environmental resilience.
Civic Officials To Participate in Drive
Chahal said all NDMC Council Members, Heads of Departments, officers and employees will actively participate in the plantation programme by planting trees at various designated locations.
He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond symbolic plantation and reflects the Council’s long-term commitment to maintaining and expanding urban greenery. The civic body has made environmental conservation an integral part of its regular activities rather than limiting plantation efforts to special occasions.
Plantation Campaign Continues Beyond a Single Day
Highlighting NDMC’s sustained efforts, Chahal noted that the civic body has already completed 31 consecutive Sunday plantation drives under its ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – On Sunday’ campaign.
Apart from these weekly programmes, plantation drives are also organised during national festivals, commemorative events and other public occasions throughout the year. These initiatives are intended to ensure continuous expansion of green spaces while encouraging wider participation from different sections of society.
According to NDMC, the campaign has attracted active support from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), educational institutions, government organisations and local residents, making it a successful example of community participation in environmental conservation.
NDMC Maintains Significant Green Cover
The NDMC also highlighted its existing contribution to Delhi’s green landscape. The Council currently manages approximately 1,450 acres of green areas across the capital.
These include six major public parks, 122 colony parks, 981 parks maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), 52 school green spaces, 51 traffic roundabouts, 14 market gardens and nearly 15,000 avenue trees lining roads across the NDMC area.
Despite covering only around three per cent of Delhi’s geographical area, the civic body stated that it contributes nearly 55 per cent of the Capital’s overall green cover, making it one of the country’s greenest urban local bodies.
The Council believes continued plantation and proper maintenance of these green assets are essential to improving air quality, reducing urban heat and creating healthier public spaces.
Appeal to Citizens
Calling upon residents to actively support the campaign, Chahal urged every citizen to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother and take responsibility for nurturing it. He said the success of environmental campaigns depends not only on plantation but also on the long-term care and survival of saplings.
He added that the initiative embodies the vision of creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable India through collective action and environmental awareness.
NDMC said it will continue expanding urban green spaces through similar initiatives while promoting public participation in environmental conservation. The civic body believes that campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ strengthen community engagement and contribute to building a climate-resilient and environmentally responsible capital city for future generations.
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