On Wednesday, 1st July, the Delhi Government launched the Green Drive Portal, a new online platform aimed at encouraging people to participate in tree plantation and environmental activities. The portal has been introduced as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, allowing residents to register for plantation drives, request free saplings and volunteer for green initiatives across the city.
About 70 lakh saplings to be planted across Delhi
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the government plans to plant 70 lakh saplings under the Ridge Forest Restoration Programme. She said the campaign is meant to become a people’s movement, with every resident playing a role in making Delhi cleaner and greener. According to her, anyone can sign up as a “Green Warrior” and contribute to protecting the environment.
Several services will be available on the green drive portal
The portal has been designed to make plantation activities easier for the public. People can book plantation slots online, while schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and institutions with enough space can receive free saplings through the ‘Vriksh Rath’ service. The platform also includes a nursery locator, helping residents find government nurseries where free saplings are available. In addition, the “Environment Saviour” section allows citizens to volunteer for various environmental programmes.
Plantation drive to cover all 70 assembly constituencies
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said plantation sites have been identified in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi. Residents can use the portal to select a convenient location and time for planting trees. He added that the government wants schools, colleges, industries, RWAs and civil society organisations to take part in plantation drives throughout the year so that every Delhiite plants and looks after at least one tree.
Native tree species to strengthen green cover
The plantation programme will focus on native tree species, including peepal, banyan, neem, arjun, jamun and gular. These trees will be planted as part of the scientific restoration of the Delhi Ridge, helping improve biodiversity, increase carbon absorption and expand the city’s green cover.
Amit Shah to launch Ridge Restoration Programme
The Chief Minister said the Ridge Forest Restoration Programme will be formally launched later this month by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the same event, the Delhi Government will also flag off 300 new electric buses and introduce new inter-state bus routes, combining environmental efforts with improvements in public transport.
