Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign and launched multiple development projects for Delhi Government, marking a comprehensive environmental and infrastructure development initiative. The campaign transforms the Delhi Ridge area through massive afforestation and legal protection measures.
Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Campaign
The Delhi Ridge, first notified in 1994 with 7,784 hectares but pending final notification for 30 years, has now received legal protection with the Delhi Government declaring 5,000 hectares as forest land. The government aims to fully develop 6,300 hectares of green Ridge area into protected forest land over the next four years. The initiative will remove environmentally unfavorable trees like Babul and replace them with native, long-lived species including Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Gular, Arjun, and Jamun, many capable of living over a century. The planting target includes over 1 crore native plants, more than 65 lakh plants that grow into large trees, and 65 lakh other plants.
Special Development Features
The Ridge area will feature eight special art-themed forests: Nakshatra Van, Mel Van, Rishi Van, Tirthankar Van, Shankar Van, Vaman Vriksha Van, and Purani Vatika. More than 70 ponds, water bodies, and archaeological structures will be restored and enriched. The comprehensive effort is supported by the Working Plan Document (2026-2036), Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan, and Delhi's Biodiversity Atlas.
Yamuna River Purification Initiative
A significant Yamuna rejuvenation effort addresses the previous practice of dumping 1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung daily into the river. Through an upcoming agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), this dung will be processed into biogas and organic manure, ensuring no dung enters the Yamuna. Currently, 129 sewage treatment plants (STPs) are operational across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with 59 new STPs expected by end-2027, all ensuring treated water meets prescribed quality standards before release into the Yamuna.
Infrastructure Projects Launched
Shri Amit Shah inaugurated 300 electric buses under Delhi's EV Policy, e-inaugurated three newly built bus depots and 40 automated vehicle testing centers, and laid the foundation stone for a High-Security Prison at Narela. The Green Drive Portal provides free saplings through Vriksh Rath and Nursery Locator facilities to encourage public participation in tree plantation.
Campaign Context and Appeal
The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encourages citizens to plant trees in the name of their mother and Mother Earth. Shri Amit Shah appealed to Delhi residents to plant at least one tree and involve children to continue the 'Green Delhi' vision. The initiative combines Yamuna purification, Ridge transformation, environmental ecosystem restoration, and EV policy to create a sustainable urban environment.