India, July 20 -- Under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has made significant progress in its Mega Plantation Drive across the national capital, planting more than 6.62 lakh saplings within the first few days of the campaign. The plantations include over 37,000 trees and more than 6.25 lakh shrubs, taking the authority close to 30 per cent of its overall plantation target. The plantation project is being implemented in line with the Lieutenant Governor's emphasis on ecological restoration, environmental sustainability and the expansion of Delhi's green infrastructure. The progress of the drive is being closely monitored to ensure effective implementation and long term survival of the plantations. The Lieutenant Governor has also directed departments to maintain constant monitoring so that the saplings planted survive.

The ongoing drive began in the first week of July and will continue till mid September 2026, focusing on native and climate resilient species. Apart from enhancing biodiversity, the initiative aims to strengthen carbon sequestration, improve microclimatic regulation and enhance ecological connectivity across Delhi's green systems. It is also expected to improve air quality, support groundwater recharge, create habitats and enhance overall urban liveability. On July 7, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Mission 70 lakh plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign in Delhi, which includes DDA's target of planting 23 lakh saplings. The plantation drive is being carried out across 675 DDA parks, four Ridge areas, six biodiversity parks, identified intervention zones and green corridors. DDA has also partnered with RWAs, educational institutions, religious organisations, volunteer groups and corporate institutions to encourage public participation and foster shared ownership of Delhi's green assets. The authority said it remains committed to achieving its target of nearly 23 lakh native saplings this plantation season through sustained afforestation and landscape restoration initiatives.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.