Delhi achieves target of planting 70 lakh saplings, ‘Mission Green Delhi’ emerges as a people’s participation campaign: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi- The Delhi government has achieved a major milestone in its efforts to protect the environment and make the capital greener, cleaner and healthier, completing the target of planting 70 lakh saplings under ‘Mission Green Delhi’. Chief Minister  Rekha Gupta said the achievement is not merely about reaching a numerical target, but is the result of sustained efforts to expand Delhi’s green cover, strengthen its ecosystem and work towards cleaner air. The government’s aim is to build a city where development and environmental protection move forward together.

Mission launched during Van Mahotsav, advanced under CM’s leadership

The Chief Minister said the Mega Plantation Drive-2026 was launched on July 7 this year on the occasion of Van Mahotsav by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah. With the support and guidance of the Central Government, the campaign was taken forward across Delhi under the close monitoring of the Delhi government. Delhi’s green agencies and various government departments, along with local bodies, public institutions, non-governmental organisations, schools, colleges, RWAs and citizens, actively participated in the campaign. The collective participation of the government machinery and society transformed ‘Mission Green Delhi’ from a government programme into a people’s movement.

Nearly 25 lakh saplings planted in Delhi’s Ridge areas

Special plantation drives were carried out in the Central Ridge, DDA Ridge and South Ridge areas, which are important to Delhi’s ecology. A total of 24,94,505 saplings were planted across these Ridge areas. Strengthening natural green areas is an important part of Delhi’s long-term environmental strategy. It is expected to support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and environmental improvement.

The Chief Minister said achieving the target of 70 lakh saplings demonstrates that major environmental goals can be achieved when the government and citizens work as partners. Every sapling planted is an investment in cleaner air, greater greenery and a healthier future for children. She made it clear that the government’s efforts would not be limited to planting saplings, but would give equal attention to protecting and nurturing this green wealth.

Public participation becomes the campaign’s biggest strength

The Chief Minister also said that public participation was given special importance under ‘Mission Green Delhi’. Through the public slot booking facility, 1,89,116 bookings were made, with 1,47,095 citizens participating and planting 3,56,986 saplings. The ‘Vriksh Rath’ initiative also helped take saplings directly to colonies and communities. Under this initiative, 74,747 saplings were distributed and 21,394 saplings were planted.

In addition, 7,61,827 saplings were distributed to citizens, institutions, organisations and communities through government nurseries. She appreciated the contribution of citizens who participated in the campaign, as well as that of green agencies, non-governmental organisations, schools, colleges, RWAs, Delhi Police, the judiciary and other government and public institutions.

Focus now shifts to conservation and nurturing after planting 70 lakh saplings

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said achieving the target of 70 lakh saplings is not the end of the campaign, but the beginning of a sustained effort to make Delhi greener, more climate-resilient and healthier. Protecting every sapling planted in Delhi and helping it grow is as important as planting it. The government has appealed to all citizens who have planted or received saplings to take regular care of them and protect them until they grow into trees.

Clean air and a healthy environment are the foundation of a better life: Environment Minister

Environment Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa said clean air and a healthy environment are fundamental requirements for a better quality of life. ‘Mission Green Delhi’ is an important part of the broader strategy to tackle air pollution and improve Delhi’s environment. The participation of citizens, RWAs, students, non-governmental organisations and various institutions has given the campaign the character of a true people’s movement. The government’s next focus will be on ensuring the survival, protection and nurturing of the saplings planted, so that their environmental benefits can be sustained in the years to come.