Delhi-Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched a bamboo plantation drive at the Bhalswa landfill, marking the beginning of a large-scale greening initiative at the site. Saxena assured residents that the landfill would soon be transformed into a green zone. "Today, 200 bamboo plants have been planted here. Over the next few months, 54,000 more trees will be added," Saxena said, emphasising that once the plantation is completed, commuters will see greenery in place of the towering garbage mounds. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to reducing pollution, stating, "We had promised to free Delhi of pollution, and this initiative marks the beginning of a cleaner and greener city." Addressing reporters alongside the L-G and other ministers, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta lauded the efforts of the Central Government's role in tackling the landfill crisis and accused previous administrations of making "tall claims" without delivering results. She highlighted the Centre’s role in utilising waste material from landfill sites for development projects across Delhi, including DDA grounds. "The L-G has played a crucial role in ensuring Delhi's transformation. His leadership has been like a shield, protecting the city and guiding its development," Gupta said. She assured that the progress of the plantation drive at Bhalswa would be monitored monthly and promised that within a year, the site would be completely transformed into a green space. "Our mission is to clean and beautify Delhi, and with a double-engine government, we will achieve this goal at double speed," she added. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) took to social media to highlight the significance of the initiative, stating, "Where there was a mountain of garbage earlier, the foundation of greenery has been laid. The previous governments only talked, but the double-engine government is showing results." The post also underscored the benefits of choosing bamboo for the drive, noting that it releases 30% more oxygen, requires less water, and can help combat pollution effectively.

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Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia