Will the Delhi Government's Van Mahotsav Transform the City?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Van Mahotsav 2025 aims to plant over 70 lakh trees in Delhi.
- The campaign will run from July 1 to 31, with daily tree-planting events.
- Citizens are encouraged to plant trees in honor of their mothers.
- The initiative includes community engagement and educational activities.
- Collaboration with civic bodies is essential for its success.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) In an ambitious green initiative, the Delhi government is set to launch Van Mahotsav 2025 - a month-long effort aimed at enhancing Delhi's forest cover while fostering a deeper emotional bond between residents and nature, as stated by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday.
“We have committed to planting over 70 lakh trees throughout Delhi, and this Van Mahotsav signifies a critical stride towards fulfilling that commitment — not merely in terms of numbers, but in cultivating an environmental conscience,” he remarked.
The kickoff ceremony is scheduled for July 3 at Bharat Mandapam, featuring an array of esteemed guests, environmentalists, industry leaders, students, and other attendees.
The event will showcase a grand Van Mela, featuring a variety of exotic, ornamental, and medicinal plants, alongside the complimentary distribution of saplings, as highlighted by the Minister.
“Van Mahotsav is more than just a tree-planting initiative — it is a community celebration of green aspirations, a homage to nature, and a profoundly emotional experience. We aim to turn it into a widespread movement across Delhi — engaging every citizen, leader, and community — because addressing pollution necessitates a united climate awareness,” Sirsa added.
He further explained that the Mahotsav will see daily tree plantings from July 1 to 31. “Every day in July will witness the collective efforts of Delhi residents — planting a tree in honor of their mother, resonating with the heartfelt spirit of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign,” he noted.
These initiatives will be extensively promoted to encourage widespread civic participation, he mentioned.
The Minister emphasized that Deputy Conservators of Forests will manage local planting events in every Assembly constituency, collaborating with MPs, MLAs, municipal leaders, and notable citizens, alongside community groups and institutions.
Focus will be placed on community stewardship of saplings and active involvement from civic bodies, he remarked.
The campaign will introduce interactive kiosks, tree nameplates inscribed with mothers’ names, creative branding, and public storytelling formats to cultivate an emotional narrative surrounding green initiatives. A dedicated social media team will also promote the initiative online, he stated.
Sirsa confirmed that the Forest Department will coordinate with NDMC, MCD, DDA, Delhi Police, and other civic bodies for venue setup, sapling distribution, safety protocols, and sanitation measures. Additionally, collaboration will be sought from the Departments of Education, Public Outreach, and Urban Development.