MCD launches massive plantation drive in Capital

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a large-scale plantation drive under its Green Action Plan, reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation and creating a greener Capital.

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With the monsoon season providing favorable conditions, the drive has gathered momentum and aims to plant a total of 7,03,298 saplings across the city this year. These include 3 lakh trees, 4 lakh shrubs and 3,298 bamboo plants.

Satya Sharma, chairperson of the Standing Committee, said the Horticulture Department had taken up this campaign on a war footing to combat pollution, reduce urban temperatures and promote biodiversity in the national capital.

So far, as of July 2025, 66,242 saplings have already been planted across 12 zones of Delhi. These include 21,493 trees, 41,918 shrubs, and 2,831 bamboo plants.

Sharma emphasised the environmental significance of the initiative and noted that such efforts are crucial for improving the quality of life in Delhi. She also held a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Horticulture Department to review progress and discuss strategies for achieving the plantation targets. The meeting focused on the identification of suitable planting sites, maintenance of saplings and ensuring their long-term survival through adequate watering, fencing and regular care.

Sharma also highlighted the emotional appeal of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She urged Delhi residents to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother, calling it a symbolic gesture of both environmental service and filial devotion. According to her, even small individual efforts can contribute to large-scale environmental transformation.

Appealing to the public for active participation, Sharma said the responsibility of building a greener and cleaner Delhi lies with all its citizens. She stressed that this plantation drive was not just about planting trees but about laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable city for future generations. The MCD is working to ensure the success of the drive by implementing systems that will help reduce the mortality rate of planted saplings, including proper irrigation, protective measures and routine upkeep.