NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive environmental and infrastructure roadmap for Delhi, saying that the combined efforts of Yamuna river rejuvenation, restoration of the Ridge ecosystem, large-scale tree plantation, and the implementation of the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy will transform the national capital into a greener and more sustainable city.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Shah launched the Mission 70 Lakh Plantation campaign while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for several development projects undertaken by the Delhi Government. The programme also included the launch of 300 electric buses, the virtual inauguration of three newly constructed bus depots and 40 vehicle testing centres, the foundation stone for a high-security prison in Narela, and the beginning of a campaign to revive Delhi’s Ridge area.
The event was attended by Union Environment Minister , Delhi Lieutenant Governor , Delhi Chief Minister , Union Minister , and other senior leaders.
Focus on restoring Delhi’s ecological balance
Addressing the gathering, Shah said Delhi’s environmental future depends on restoring its natural ecosystems while ensuring sustainable urban growth. He noted that many invasive and thorny tree species currently dominate the Ridge area, creating only the appearance of greenery without offering the ecological benefits of native forests.
He said the Delhi Government has taken a significant step by declaring nearly 5,000 hectares of the Ridge as forest land after decades of pending notification. According to Shah, the long-term objective is to provide legal protection to the entire Ridge while restoring its biodiversity, improving groundwater recharge, and strengthening the city’s ecological health.
“Within three years, we will plant long-living native trees like peepal, banyan, neem, gular, arjun and jamun across the Ridge to make it the lungs of a green Delhi,” Shah said.
The Home Minister added that the Centre and the Delhi Government have jointly resolved to develop and protect around 6,300 hectares of Ridge forest over the next four years.
Massive plantation drive planned
Under the Mission 70 Lakh Plantation initiative, authorities plan to undertake one of Delhi’s largest tree plantation campaigns. Shah said the broader conservation programme includes planting more than one crore native species, including over 65 lakh large tree saplings capable of surviving for decades.
Read Also: PM Modi Applauds Biju Patnaik’s Brave Rescue Mission During Indonesia’s Freedom Fight
He also highlighted preparations made to support long-term environmental conservation, including a Working Plan Document for the period from 2026 to 2036, a management plan for the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, and the preparation of Delhi’s Bird Atlas.
Special ecological zones such as Nakshatra Van, Rishi Van, Tirthankar Van, Shankar Van, Vaman Vriksha Van, Mel Van, and Purani Vatika will also be developed within the Ridge to encourage biodiversity and strengthen people’s connection with nature.
Call to join ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
Shah praised Prime Minister for launching the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, describing it as a meaningful public movement that combines environmental responsibility with emotional commitment.
He said rising carbon emissions and indiscriminate deforestation have contributed to climate change and environmental imbalance, making tree plantation an urgent national priority.
“Development without concern for environmental balance is meaningless. That is the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign,” Shah said.
Appealing directly to Delhi residents, he urged every family to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother and encourage children to actively participate in the initiative.
Click here to join us on WhatsApp Channel and get all the latest news updates
He also asked citizens to use the Green Drive Portal to reserve plantation slots and make use of free saplings being distributed through the Delhi Government’s Vriksh Rath programme and nearby government nurseries.
Yamuna cleanup gets major push
Shah also outlined fresh measures aimed at accelerating the cleanup of the Yamuna river, one of Delhi’s biggest environmental challenges.
He announced that the Government will soon sign an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to prevent untreated cattle waste from entering the river. According to him, cow dung generated by dairies in Delhi will instead be processed into biogas and organic manure.
“Not even one kilogram of cow dung will be allowed to enter the Yamuna after our agreement with the National Dairy Development Board,” Shah said.
He claimed that around 1,500 metric tonnes of cattle waste were previously entering the Yamuna daily and said the new arrangement would significantly reduce pollution while generating renewable energy and natural fertilisers.
The Home Minister further stated that 129 sewage treatment plants are already operational, with another 59 planned to ensure that only properly treated water is discharged into the river.
EV policy and sustainable transport
Highlighting Delhi’s clean mobility initiatives, Shah said the launch of 300 electric buses and the implementation of the EV policy demonstrate the government’s commitment to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable public transport.
He said these measures, combined with river rejuvenation and ecological restoration, represent an integrated approach to improving air quality and environmental health in the capital.
“With Yamuna purification, Ridge restoration, ecosystem revival and the EV policy, we will realise the vision of a greener and more sustainable Delhi,” Shah said.
The Home Minister said the environmental initiatives are designed not only to improve the quality of life for Delhi residents but also to create a model of sustainable urban development that can inspire other cities across the country.
He urged citizens to actively participate in plantation drives and environmental conservation efforts, saying that public involvement will be essential to achieving the vision of a cleaner, greener and more resilient national capital.
