NEW DELHI: Stressing that environmental conservation requires long-term commitment beyond planting saplings, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Sunday said, “Planting a tree is only the beginning, caring for it is our responsibility,” as he led the 32nd consecutive Sunday plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The large-scale plantation programme was organised at the Central Government Employees Residents Welfare Association (RWA), Blocks 49–55, Type-III, Kali Bari Marg, Gole Market. The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, RWA members, NDMC officials, and volunteers, who planted saplings in honour of their mothers to promote environmental awareness and strengthen community involvement.
Campaign Builds Momentum Through Public Participation
The weekly initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to encourage environmental conservation through public participation, has steadily grown into a community movement across the national capital.
Speaking at the event, Chahal said the successful completion of 32 consecutive Sundays reflects the increasing awareness among citizens about the importance of protecting nature. He noted that NDMC has expanded the campaign beyond weekly drives by partnering with universities, educational institutions, embassies, and other organisations to undertake plantation programmes across New Delhi.
According to him, the active involvement of citizens has played a key role in making the campaign a sustained environmental effort rather than a one-day activity.
Caring for Saplings Is the Real Responsibility
Delivering his message on environmental stewardship, Chahal said planting a sapling should be viewed as the first step in a much larger responsibility.
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He urged citizens to regularly water, protect, and nurture the trees they plant so that the saplings survive and grow into healthy trees capable of improving the city’s environment.
Calling the initiative a people’s movement, he said every tree planted in honour of one’s mother symbolises gratitude towards both mothers and Mother Nature while contributing to a cleaner and greener future for coming generations.
Public Grievances Addressed During the Programme
The plantation drive was accompanied by NDMC’s ‘Good Governance at Your Doorstep’ initiative, under which Chahal interacted directly with residents and heard their civic concerns.
Residents raised several issues related to local infrastructure, including the construction of a badminton court inside the park, rebuilding of an existing porta cabin, installation of an open gym, and resolution of sewer-related problems.
Reviewing the matters on-site, Chahal instructed officials from the concerned departments to ensure prompt and time-bound action. He assured residents that NDMC remains committed to improving civic infrastructure through direct public engagement and responsive governance.
Senior officers from the Health, Civil Engineering, Roads, Water Supply, Drainage, and Electricity Departments participated in the inspection and reviewed the issues raised by residents.
NDMC Plans Year-Long Green Calendar
Chahal announced that NDMC has prepared a comprehensive Green Calendar under which plantation drives will continue every Sunday in different parts of New Delhi throughout the year.
He said departments including Horticulture, Health, Civil Engineering, Roads, Water Supply, Drainage, and Electricity will work together to ensure the maintenance, watering, and protection of newly planted saplings.
The coordinated effort aims to improve urban greenery, strengthen biodiversity, reduce pollution, and create healthier public spaces for residents.
Residents Welcome the Initiative
The plantation drive drew participation from a large number of residents, who planted saplings alongside NDMC officials and community representatives.
Office-bearers of the Central Government Employees RWA, including Patron Pawan Kumar, President Krishna Kumar, Vice President Bhairav Nath, General Secretary Laxmi Kumar, Treasurer Ajay Vajpayee, and other members joined the campaign.
Participants appreciated the initiative for linking emotional values with environmental responsibility. Many said planting a tree in honour of one’s mother encourages families to take greater ownership of protecting nature while inspiring future generations to adopt sustainable practices.
Residents also welcomed the opportunity to directly present civic issues before NDMC officials, describing the combined plantation and grievance-redressal programme as a constructive step towards improving both environmental conditions and neighbourhood infrastructure.
Green Vision for Viksit Bharat
Highlighting the broader objective of the campaign, Chahal said environmental conservation, efficient civic services, and active citizen participation are essential pillars of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
He said initiatives such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ demonstrate how public participation can contribute to sustainable urban development while strengthening the relationship between citizens and civic institutions.
As the campaign continues to expand across New Delhi, NDMC aims to increase green cover, improve environmental awareness, and encourage every resident to play an active role in building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable capital.
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