New Delhi: In a significant boost to Delhi’s urban greening efforts, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) held a large-scale plantation drive on Sardar Patel Marg today under the nationwide campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
The initiative, aimed at deepening environmental consciousness and expanding green cover, witnessed the active participation of top officials including the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Shri Saxena led the initiative by planting an Amaltas (Cassia fistula) sapling, a flowering tree often associated with endurance and hope.
The event was further graced by NDMC Chairman Shri Keshav Chandra and New Delhi’s Member of Parliament, Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, who jointly planted a Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa) sapling, known for its vibrant purple blooms.
Adding to the green cause, NDMC Vice Chairman Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal planted a Gulmohar (Delonix regia) tree, a species recognized for its brilliant red-orange flowers and fast growth, symbolizing the city’s forward-looking urban ecology efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chahal emphasized the importance of the newly launched “Gap Filling Campaign”, a strategic greening initiative by NDMC that commenced on 1st July 2025.
The campaign targets 80 key roads, intersections, and roundabouts across the NDMC region. Unlike previous plantation efforts limited to certain stretches, this year’s drive is far more comprehensive, aiming to cover every visible gap with lush greenery.
“This campaign is not only about aesthetics but also about health,” said Shri Chahal. “By ensuring continuous green cover along major public roads, we are directly tackling urban air pollution.
Trees act as natural air purifiers and help in reducing pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, which are among the primary contributors to respiratory illnesses in urban environments.”
Shri Chahal also informed that under the guidance of Hon’ble LG, the Delhi Government is undertaking a parallel massive greening initiative along Sardar Patel Marg.
This drive includes the plantation of over 12,000 flowering trees and shrubs, featuring species such as Amaltas, Queen’s Crepe Myrtle, Rosy Trumpet Tree, and Bougainvillea.
To ensure visibility and immediate ecological impact, the project is utilizing mature saplings, timed with the ongoing monsoon to maximize survival and growth.
The Vice Chairman reaffirmed NDMC’s commitment to sustainable urban development, noting that this initiative is part of the Council’s larger vision aligned with the national objective of Viksit Bharat @2047.
By combining ecological restoration with smart urban planning, NDMC aims to make New Delhi not just greener but also more resilient to climate challenges.
“Through such efforts,” he added, “NDMC is contributing toward a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable capital city. We are not only planting trees—we are planting the future.”
The plantation event drew participation from various departments, local residents, and schoolchildren, reflecting NDMC’s focus on community engagement and public awareness around climate responsibility.
Officials stressed the need for collective action, urging citizens to take ownership of their local green spaces and become active partners in the campaign.
Today’s drive underscores a growing synergy between civic leadership and environmental stewardship in the capital. By focusing on both large-scale plantation and targeted infill strategies, NDMC is paving the way for a sustainable urban green infrastructure model that other cities can emulate.
As the nation looks toward a greener future, initiatives like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam continue to inspire citizens to take small but meaningful steps. With active support from leadership and community alike, New Delhi moves closer to becoming a beacon of urban environmental excellence.
