New Delhi, September 29: The Delhi government has said it has achieved its target of planting 70 lakh saplings under its ‘Mission Green Delhi campaign which was launched on July 7.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the campaign brought together government departments, local bodies, educational institutions, resident welfare associations, NGOs and citizens as part of efforts to expand the capital green cover and strengthen its ecosystem.
Special plantation drives were conducted across the Central Ridge, DDA Ridge and South Ridge where 24,94,505 saplings were planted according to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Public participation was also facilitated through a slot booking system. The initiative received 1,89,116 bookings, with 1,47,095 citizens taking part and planting 3,56,986 saplings the CMO said.
Gupta said the government would focus not only on plantation but also on the protection and maintenance of the saplings to ensure their survival.
“The government’s aim is to build a city where development and environmental protection move forward together,” she said.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said participation from citizens, RWAs, students, NGOs and other institutions had helped turn the campaign into a broad public initiative.
The government said the plantation drive forms part of its wider efforts to strengthen Delhi’s green cover and improve its environmental ecosystem.