Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Tuesday, 6 July inaugurate the Delhi government's ambitious campaign to plant 70 lakh trees across the capital. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will support the initiative by organising a Mega Tree Plantation Drive at 34 locations, according to NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal.

What the NDMC Drive Involves

Under the campaign, the NDMC has set a target of planting approximately 600 trees and 50,000 shrubs, with more than 50,000 planting pits already prepared. Native and environmentally sustainable species — including Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar, and Amaltas — will be planted across the council area.

Ornamental and native shrubs such as Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily, and Murraya will also be introduced to strengthen biodiversity and improve the aesthetic character of NDMC's green spaces.

Participation and Community Outreach

All NDMC Council Members, Heads of Departments, officers, and employees are expected to participate by planting trees at different locations within the council's jurisdiction. Chahal emphasised that for the NDMC, plantation is 'not merely a one-day programme but a continuous people's movement.'

The drive draws on the momentum of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – On Sunday campaign, under which the NDMC has already completed 31 consecutive Sunday plantation drives. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), schools, and local institutions have all participated, making it, in Chahal's words, a true example of Jan Bhagidari (people's participation).

NDMC's Green Cover: A Significant Contribution

Chahal highlighted that the NDMC currently maintains 1,450 acres of green spaces, comprising six iconic parks, 122 colony parks, 981 CPWD-maintained parks, 52 school green areas, 51 roundabouts, 14 market gardens, and nearly 15,000 avenue trees.

Notably, despite covering only about 3 per cent of Delhi's geographical area, the NDMC contributes nearly 55 per cent of the capital's total green cover — a figure that positions it among the greenest urban local bodies in India.

Broader Context

The drive comes as Delhi continues to grapple with air quality challenges, making urban greening a policy priority. The involvement of a senior Union minister in inaugurating a civic plantation campaign signals the political weight being placed on environmental commitments. Plantation activities are also regularly conducted during national festivals, special occasions, and public events, reinforcing the campaign's year-round character. All eyes will now be on whether the 70 lakh tree target translates into verifiable, sustained green cover growth across the capital.