Delhi Launches 70-Lakh Tree Plantation Drive

On 7 July 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign and the Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Campaign in New Delhi. The plantation drive is part of the Green Action Plan 2026-27, and the Ridge plan covers scientific restoration of forest land in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign

The Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign targets the planting of over 70 lakh saplings across Delhi. The campaign uses the term sapling for young plants raised for transplantation into open land, parks, forest areas, and roadside stretches.

Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Plan

The Delhi government has prepared an Eco-restoration Plan for 2026-2030 for the Ridge forests. The plan targets plantation of over one crore native saplings across 6,303.55 hectares over four years. The Ridge revival work is based on Delhi’s first scientific Working Plan, approved in November 2025.

Ridge Forests and Native Species

The Ridge is a part of the Aravalli hill system in Delhi and functions as a green belt in the city. The revival plan includes phased removal of invasive species such as Vilayati Keekar and replacement with native species such as peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The plan also covers legal protection for the Ridge, with over 4,700 hectares already notified as Reserved Forests.

Water Bodies, Archaeology, and Public Access

The restoration plan includes development of more than 70 water bodies or ponds within the Ridge forests. It also includes restoration of archaeological structures and creation of themed green spaces. These measures are linked with groundwater recharge and public access within forest areas.

Digital Platform and Citizen Participation

The Green Drive Portal has been launched as a technology-enabled platform for public participation. Residents can use it to reserve plantation slots, request sapling delivery through Vriksh Rath, and locate government nurseries.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Delhi Ridge is associated with the Aravalli hill system and is divided into northern, central, south-central, and southern sections.
• Reserved Forest is a legal category under Indian forest administration used for stronger protection of notified forest land.
• Vilayati Keekar is the common name for Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species found in several dry regions of India.
• Peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun are commonly used native tree species in Indian urban afforestation programmes.