Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign and launched multiple development projects for the Delhi Government in New Delhi on July 7, 2026. The event marked the beginning of the Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Campaign under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation and Forest Protection
The Delhi Government has declared 5,000 hectares of the Ridge area as forest land, providing legal protection to what was first notified in 1994 but remained pending final notification for 30 years. The comprehensive plan aims to develop 6,300 hectares of green Ridge area into protected forest land over the next four years. Environmentally unfavorable trees including Babul will be removed and replaced with native, long-lived species such as Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun, Jamun, and Gular, many of which can live for over a century. The initiative will plant over 1 crore native plants, including more than 65 lakh plants that grow into large trees and 65 lakh other plants.
Special Development Features
Eight special art-themed forests will be developed in the Delhi Ridge area including 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 Delhi Government has prepared a Working Plan Document (2026–2036), the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan, and the Biodiversity Atlas as part of comprehensive ecosystem revival efforts.
Yamuna River Purification Initiative
The government addressed the previous practice of allowing approximately 1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung to enter the Yamuna river daily. 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 river. Additionally, 129 sewage treatment plants have become operational in the past year, with 59 more plants to be established, ensuring treated water meets prescribed quality standards before release into the Yamuna.
Electric Vehicle Policy and Transportation
The Delhi Government launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and flagged off 300 electric buses. The Home Minister inaugurated three newly built bus depots and 40 automated vehicle testing centers, while also laying the foundation stone for a High-Security Prison at Narela.
Public Participation and Digital Infrastructure
The Green Drive Portal has been launched to promote tree plantation by providing free saplings to citizens. The Vriksh Rath and Nursery Locator facilities help people access saplings and planting locations. Citizens are encouraged to plant trees in available spaces in schools, colonies, temples, and societies to contribute to the vision of a Green Delhi.