Delhi Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha led a plantation drive by senior law enforcers in khaki at the PBG Ground in the Delhi Ridge. Sirsa said the mega tree plantation campaign is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Green Campaign, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers.
He said that Delhi is witnessing one of its largest-ever plantation drives, with a target of planting 70 lakh trees and saplings across the city this year. As part of the eco-restoration programme inspired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, 15 lakh trees and saplings are being planted in the Ridge and other identified green areas to strengthen Delhi's ecological balance.
Sirsa said, "Inspired by the vision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, we are ensuring that every tree planted is scientifically monitored through geo-tagging and nurtured for the long term. We are creating a sustainable green legacy for future generations, not just increasing plantation numbers."
The Minister said that the Delhi government has prepared a comprehensive 10-year plantation strategy focused on increasing green cover with native species that generate more oxygen, provide greater shade, require less water, and help reduce pollution.
Every sapling planted under the campaign is geo-tagged to ensure scientific monitoring and long-term survival, he said. Sirsa said, "Our Guru Sahibs have also imparted the invaluable message of nature conservation. Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, 'Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat'—meaning air is like a Guru, water is like a father, and the earth is our mother.”
“This message from the Guru Granth Sahib inspires us to respect nature, keep it clean, and serve and protect it. A sapling planted today is not just a tree; it is a strong foundation for the secure future of our children and our city," said the Minister.
The plantation campaign has witnessed participation from every section of society, including members of the judiciary, diplomats from over 70 countries, educational institutions, religious organisations, and citizen groups, reflecting the government's vision of making environmental protection a true people's movement, said an official statement.
Highlighting the Delhi government's parallel mission to eliminate the Capital's long-standing garbage mountains, Sirsa described it as one of the largest environmental restoration exercises undertaken in the city.