NDMC carries out plantation drive, plants more than 612 trees, over 50,200 shrubs

New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Tuesday carried out a mega plantation drive across 34 locations in its jurisdiction, planting more than 612 trees and over 50,200 shrubs as part of a citywide campaign to enhance Delhi’s green cover, officials said. According to the official statement, the drive was organised under the citywide plantation campaign inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and saw participation from Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra, Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal and other council members. According to NDMC, the campaign also drew participation from resident welfare associations, market traders’ associations, educational institutions, civil society groups and residents. Parvesh Sahib Singh planted a sapling at Children’s Park near India Gate, while Bansuri Swaraj participated in the drive at Sanjay Jheel Park in Laxmibai Nagar. Keshav Chandra planted a sapling at Nehru Park and Kuljeet Singh Chahal led the plantation at Lodhi Garden, official statement read Officials said the civic body had prepared more than 50,000 plantation pits in advance to facilitate the exercise, which exceeded its plantation target. The plantation included native tree species such as peepal, neem, jamun, imli, champa, ashoka, gulmohar and amaltas, along with shrubs including hamelia, justicia, canna, lily and murraya. The initiative is aimed at increasing green cover, improving urban biodiversity and enhancing public spaces, officials said. NDMC maintains nearly 1,450 acres of green areas, including six major parks, 122 colony parks, 981 parks maintained by the Central Public Works Department, 52 school green areas, 51 roundabouts, 14 market gardens and around 15,000 avenue trees. Although the NDMC area accounts for about 3 per cent of Delhi’s geographical area, it contributes nearly 55 per cent of the city’s green cover, according to the civic body. Officials said the plantation drive forms part of NDMC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen urban greenery, improve environmental sustainability and encourage public participation in conservation initiatives. PTI VBH NB