NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) intensified its environmental outreach campaign on Sunday as Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal led a large-scale tree plantation programme at North West Moti Bagh under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative inspired by Prime Minister .
The plantation drive, held at the Community Centre in North West Moti Bagh, brought together residents, Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) members, NDMC officials, and local community representatives. Participants planted saplings in the names of their mothers, symbolizing gratitude while promoting environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility.
The programme witnessed active participation from several RWA representatives, including M.S. Haque, Ratheesh M.K., R.N. Prasad, Madhulika, and Saurav Agarwal, along with officials and staff from various NDMC departments. The event was part of the ongoing “#EkPedMaaKeNaam_OnSunday” campaign, which is being organized regularly across different parts of the NDMC area to encourage citizens to contribute directly to environmental protection.
Before participating in the plantation activity, Chahal engaged with local residents and representatives of welfare associations to understand issues affecting the community. During the interaction, citizens raised several concerns related to civic infrastructure and public amenities.
Among the key issues highlighted were the need for pruning and maintenance of trees, installation and upkeep of electric poles, air-conditioning facilities at the community centre, better maintenance of public parks, construction of a badminton court, and strengthening sanitation services through additional staff deployment.
Responding to the concerns, the NDMC Vice Chairperson Chahal directed the relevant departments to take prompt action and work toward resolving the identified issues. He instructed officials to ensure that the matters are addressed within a month wherever feasible, emphasizing the importance of timely service delivery and citizen-centric governance.
Addressing the gathering, Chahal described the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign as more than just a plantation programme. He said the initiative has evolved into a people’s movement aimed at creating greater awareness about environmental conservation while encouraging citizens to strengthen their connection with nature.
He noted that planting a tree in the name of one’s mother carries both emotional and social significance. According to him, such gestures not only honor mothers but also contribute to building a greener and healthier future for coming generations. He stressed that environmental responsibility must become an integral part of daily life and that public participation is essential for the success of sustainability initiatives.
Highlighting NDMC’s commitment to environmental protection, Chahal informed residents that tree plantation drives are being organized every Sunday throughout the year at different locations across the council area. He said multiple civic departments, including Horticulture, Health, Civil Engineering, Roads, Water Supply, Drainage, and Electrical wings, are working together to ensure proper care, monitoring, and survival of newly planted saplings.
He further urged citizens to take personal responsibility for nurturing the trees planted during such campaigns. According to him, long-term success depends not only on planting saplings but also on ensuring their growth through consistent care and community ownership.
In addition to promoting tree plantation, Chahal appealed to residents and RWAs to support local biodiversity during the intense summer season by placing earthen water bowls, commonly known as “parindes,” in public and residential spaces. He said birds and other living creatures often struggle to find water during periods of extreme heat and can benefit significantly from small acts of compassion by citizens.
He emphasized that environmental conservation extends beyond planting trees and includes protecting ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. Placing water bowls outside homes, parks, and community centres can help birds access water easily and contribute to maintaining ecological balance, he added.
The NDMC Vice Chairperson also linked the initiative to the broader national vision of sustainable development and the goal of building a developed India by 2047. He said campaigns such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” demonstrate how community participation can support the country’s environmental objectives while fostering civic responsibility.
A large number of residents, welfare association members, and senior officials from various NDMC departments attended the event. The programme concluded with a renewed call for collective action toward creating a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally sustainable urban landscape.
Through the continued expansion of the “#EkPedMaaKeNaam_OnSunday” campaign, NDMC aims to strengthen public engagement in environmental conservation while advancing the vision of a clean and green India championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
