The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to assess preparations for large-scale plantation and greening initiatives across the Delhi–NCR region. Senior officials from the Ministry, along with Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCFs) from Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, participated in the meeting.
Focus on a Scientifically Planned District-Wise Greening Framework
During the review, the Minister emphasized the need for a scientific, community-driven, and convergence-based strategy to expand green cover in both rural and urban areas across NCR. States were directed to prepare comprehensive district-wise action plans identifying forest areas, degraded lands, community forests, Nagar Vans/Namo Parks, zoos, and other public lands managed by urban local bodies and panchayats.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of:
- Mapping catchment areas of rivers, wetlands, and Ramsar sites
- Assessing existing vegetation quality
- Identifying and upgrading nurseries in rural and urban areas
- Consolidating resources from multiple agencies
The Minister stressed engaging all Eco-Clubs in NCR and involving the Natural History Museum and its regional centers in awareness and plantation activities.
Five-Year Micro Plans to Guide Implementation
Shri Yadav directed States to create District-Level Micro Plans for the next five years, integrating court directives applicable in NCR. These plans must clearly define:
- Annual plantation targets
- Implementing agencies
- Opportunities for community participation
- Types of plantation interventions
- Sources of planting material
- Funding streams such as Green India Mission, Nagar Van Yojana, Green Credit Programme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund, MGNREGA, and river rejuvenation schemes.
The Minister also instructed States to identify all areas affected by invasive species and incorporate eco-restoration measures within the Micro Plans. Further, he called for improved coordination by mapping ongoing litigations and regulatory issues affecting greening initiatives.
Towards an Integrated Five-Year Greening Plan for NCR
The Ministry will consolidate district-level Micro Plans to develop a unified Five-Year Greening Plan for the NCR. This consolidated framework will support coordinated implementation and help meet greening and plantation targets monitored by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been tasked with providing updated data on degraded forest lands and invasive species–affected zones. States have been asked to upload details of degraded lands on the Green Credit Programme (GCP) portal to encourage wider public and private sector participation in restoration activities.
The Minister reiterated that a technology-enabled, scientifically grounded district-wise greening strategy is essential for strengthening NCR’s ecological resilience and achieving long-term improvements in air quality. A follow-up meeting will be held soon to review progress by the States and the Government of NCT of Delhi.
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