Towards a Greener Delhi: ‘70-Lakh Tree Plantation Mission’ and Ridge Rejuvenation Launched
Delhi has launched an ambitious mission to plant over 70 lakh saplings alongside a scientific rejuvenation of the Delhi Ridge — a major step to improve the capital’s air quality, green cover and ecological balance.
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, while the Ridge plan focuses on scientific restoration of forest land in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign targets the planting of over 70 lakh saplings across Delhi in parks, forest areas, open land and roadside stretches. Alongside, the Delhi government has prepared an Eco-restoration Plan for 2026-2030 for the Ridge forests, aiming to plant over one crore native saplings across 6,303.55 hectares over four years. This revival work is based on Delhi’s first scientific Working Plan, approved in November 2025.
The Delhi Ridge is part of the Aravalli hill system and functions as a green belt for the city. The rejuvenation plan involves the phased removal of invasive species such as Vilayati Keekar and their replacement with native species such as peepal, banyan, neem and jamun. It also provides legal protection for the Ridge, with over 4,700 hectares already notified as Reserved Forests, and includes the development of more than 70 water bodies, restoration of archaeological structures and creation of themed green spaces.
To encourage public participation, the Green Drive Portal has been launched as a technology-enabled platform through which residents can reserve plantation slots, request sapling delivery via Vriksh Rath and locate government nurseries. Notably, Delhi ranks among the world’s most air-polluted cities, and afforestation not only boosts carbon absorption but also delivers ecological benefits such as groundwater recharge and reduction of the urban heat-island effect.
Key Points
- Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation and Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation campaigns launched on 7 July 2026.
- Launched by Amit Shah and CM Rekha Gupta; part of the Green Action Plan 2026-27.
- Ridge Eco-restoration Plan (2026–2030): one crore native saplings across 6,303.55 hectares.
- The Delhi Ridge is part of the Aravalli system; Vilayati Keekar to be replaced with native species.
- Green Drive Portal and Vriksh Rath enable citizen participation.
📝 Important from Exam Point of View (Exam Focus)
- The Delhi Ridge is linked to 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 for stronger protection of notified forest land.
- Vilayati Keekar is the common name for Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species.
- Peepal, banyan, neem and jamun are common native tree species in Indian urban afforestation.
