New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Strengthening New Delhi’s green ecosystem, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra on Tuesday led a Mega Plantation Drive–2026 across 34 locations within the civic agency’s jurisdiction as part of the citywide plantation campaign inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The NDMC’s campaign involved plantation of more than 612 trees and 50,200 shrubs of native and ornamental varieties across its green spaces, an official statement said.
To ensure smooth implementation, more than 50,000 plantation pits had been scientifically prepared well in advance, the statement added.
NDMC Vice-Chairman (V-C) Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the plantation drive focused on ecologically significant native tree species such as Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Champa, Ashoka, Gulmohar and Amaltas, alongside ornamental and biodiversity-enhancing shrubs, including Hamelia, Justicia, Canna, Lily, Murraya and several other varieties.
“The initiative aimed not only to expand green cover but also to enrich urban biodiversity, improve air quality and create aesthetically vibrant public spaces,” Chahal added.
The plantation campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from public representatives, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), educational institutions, civil society organisations and local residents, transforming the initiative into a vibrant example of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) for a greener and healthier future.
Leading the campaign, Delhi government and New Delhi legislator Parvesh Verma planted a sapling at the India Gate’s Children’s Park and Bansuri Swaraj, Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from New Delhi, planted a sapling at Sanjay Jheel Park in Laxmibai Nagar.
NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra planted a sapling at Nehru Park and Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal led the plantation at Lodhi Garden, the statement said.
NDMC member Anil Valmiki participated at the Talkatora Garden, NDMC Member D.P. Singh at Central Park in Connaught Place, and NDMC member Sarita Tomar at the Veer Savarkar Park in Lodhi Road, reinforcing the Council’s collective commitment to environmental conservation.
“The NDMC presently maintains nearly 1,450 acres of green areas, comprising six iconic parks, 122 colony parks, 981 Central Public Works Department-maintained parks, 52 school green areas, 51 roundabouts, 14 market gardens and around 15,000 avenue trees,” the statement said.
Although the NDMC area constitutes only about three per cent of Delhi’s geographical area, it contributes nearly 55 per cent of the national capital’s green cover, making it one of India’s greenest urban local bodies.
The Mega Plantation Drive–2026 reflects NDMC’s unwavering motive to environmental stewardship, climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
Through active community participation and continuous expansion of green infrastructure, the NDMC remains dedicated to creating a cleaner, healthier and greener national capital for present and future generations, the statement said.
–IANS
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