Delhi Plants 6.62 Lakh Trees and Shrubs, But Survival Remains a Concern

The Delhi Development Authority has planted more than 6.62 lakh trees and shrubs since the beginning of July as part of the monsoon plantation drive. The initiative covers 675 DDA parks, four Ridge zones, six biodiversity parks, and several green corridors across the capital.

Of the total planted so far, over 37,000 are trees and more than 6.25 lakh are shrubs. The DDA says it has covered nearly 30 per cent of its 23-lakh plantation target for the season. The drive, which began in the first week of July, is scheduled to continue until mid-September, leaving around 16.38 lakh more plants to be planted.

This target is part of Delhi's larger Mission 70 Lakh Plantation drive, launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7 under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. The DDA has been assigned 23 lakh of the citywide target. Officials state that native and climate-resilient species are being used, and resident welfare associations, educational institutions, religious organisations, volunteer groups, and companies are also being involved.

The plantation exercise includes 675 DDA parks, potentially bringing new greenery closer to residential areas. It also covers the South Central Ridge, Nanakpura Ridge, Central Ridge, and Northern Ridge, along with six biodiversity parks, identified ecological zones, and green corridors. The inclusion of all four Ridge zones is significant because the Delhi Ridge forms a major part of the capital's natural green network and supports several wildlife habitats.

The drive comes just over two months after the National Green Tribunal, in a separate illegal tree-felling case, described Delhi's handling of tree protection and compensatory plantation as a 'very sorry state of affairs'. The tribunal directed forest authorities to follow up on pending plantation orders and compile and publish five years of data on illegal-felling complaints, action taken, and compliance with compensatory plantation directions. This order has added to the focus on monitoring plantations and ensuring that saplings survive after being planted.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed departments to regularly monitor the new plantations and ensure their survival. The instruction puts the focus on the post-planting phase. Young trees and shrubs require watering, protection from grazing and damage, suitable soil conditions, and continued maintenance, particularly after the monsoon and during Delhi's drier months. Officials say the immediate goal is to complete the remaining plantation by mid-September, but the visible impact will take longer. For Delhi residents, the bigger question is how many of the 6.62 lakh trees and shrubs will survive beyond the monsoon.