New Delhi: The Delhi government is preparing for one of its largest plantation initiatives in recent years, with the city government planning to plant 70 lakh saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam - Delhi Mega Plantation Drive 2026'.
The campaign, which seeks to combine environmental action with mass public participation through a multi-phase programme, is also expected to witness the presence of senior national leaders, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed to inaugurate a key phase of the drive.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to assess preparations for the campaign. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials attended the meeting, where discussions focused on plantation targets, public participation, digital platforms and departmental responsibilities.
According to the government, the first phase of the campaign will commence with a digital launch on June 22. The e-Forest Green Drive Portal and the campaign's official video will be unveiled, alongside a public awareness drive through digital and social media platforms. Outreach activities will continue until July 4 to engage educational institutions, religious bodies, resident welfare associations and other community groups.
"The spirit of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be carried forward in Delhi and developed into a large-scale public movement," Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said.
The second phase, scheduled for the first week of July, will focus on ridge restoration through plantation drives at locations including PBG Ground, Central Ridge, South Central Ridge and Nanakpura Ridge. Around 2.5 lakh saplings are proposed to be planted on a single day during this phase.
The third phase, planned for mid-July, will feature a large-scale plantation event at Swarn Jayanti Park in Rohini, linked live with 51 locations across Delhi. The government said around 11,000 people are expected to participate simultaneously. The campaign is proposed to cover all 70 Assembly constituencies and 13 districts during the Seva Parv period.
Citizen participation will be facilitated through the e-Forest Green Drive Portal, where residents can register using basic details, book plantation slots, obtain free saplings, upload geo-tagged photographs after planting and receive a 'Paryavaran Rakshak' e-certificate signed by the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "Vriksh Raths will be deployed to ensure the success of the campaign." She said these mobile units would distribute free saplings at colonies, schools, colleges, RWAs and religious institutions while providing guidance on plantation activities.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam - Delhi Mega Plantation Drive 2026' is not merely a plantation programme but a broad-based public movement aimed at making Delhi greener and environment-friendly."