Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday, 3 July called on residents of the national capital to abandon single-use plastic bags and adopt sustainable alternatives, marking International Plastic Bag Free Day. The appeal, issued via a post on X, coincided with a broader green push that included the launch of a dedicated plantation portal targeting 70 lakh saplings across Delhi.

CM's Plastic-Free Pledge

In her message, CM Rekha Gupta said, 'On International Plastic Bag Free Day, let us take a pledge that is not limited to just today, but becomes a part of our everyday habits.' She urged citizens to carry cloth or jute bags when stepping out and to avoid single-use plastic bags entirely, framing individual habit change as the foundation of a 'clean, green, and plastic-free Delhi.'

International Plastic Bag Free Day, observed globally on 3 July every year, raises awareness about the environmental and marine damage caused by single-use plastic. The observance promotes reusable alternatives as a practical step toward reducing global plastic pollution.

Green Drive Portal Launched

Earlier on the same day, CM Gupta launched the Green Drive Portal under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, reaffirming the Delhi government's commitment to large-scale urban greening. Through the portal — accessible at greendrive.delhivanmahotsav.in — citizens can book slots for the Mega Plantation Drive, register as an Environmental Saviour, and reserve free saplings from the nearest government nursery.

The portal has categorised plantation sites across all 70 Assembly constituencies, according to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, allowing residents to book by constituency or location at their convenience. The campaign also encourages greening of homes, educational institutions, and rooftop gardens wherever space permits.

Vriksh Rath and Native Species Focus

Under the 'Vriksh Rath' initiative, expert teams from the Forest Department will facilitate plantation at homes, schools, residential colonies, and other suitable sites — providing free saplings, equipment, and technical assistance. The drive will focus on native, long-living species including Peepal, Banyan, Gular, Neem, Arjun, and Jamun.

100 Oxygen Parks Planned

As part of its broader green initiative, the Delhi government has announced plans to develop 100 Oxygen Parks across the city. The twin announcements — the plastic-free appeal and the plantation portal — signal an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration to position environmental action as a governance priority ahead of the capital's ongoing urban challenges.

With the portal now live and the 70-lakh-sapling target set, the coming weeks will test whether citizen participation matches the scale of the government's ambition.