New Delhi — In a major push for urban greening, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced the plantation of 4,000 bamboo saplings and 35 lakh shrubs as part of its annual environmental drive. This year’s campaign emphasizes biodiversity enhancement, pollution reduction, and sustainable irrigation methods across key areas of the capital.
Key Highlights:
- 4,000 Bamboo Saplings: Two distinct varieties — Golden Bamboo and Buddha Belly Bamboo — will be planted along prominent roads including Akbar Road, Mandir Marg, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, and Krishna Menon Marg. These natural green screens aim to boost biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.
- Massive Shrub Plantation: From 13 lakh last year, the NDMC has more than doubled its target to 35 lakh shrubs in 2025. The intensive “gap filling” campaign covers 80 major roundabouts and junctions using flowering and patterned shrubs like bougainvillea, justicia, hemelia, karonda, Calliandra, and murraya.
- Improved Irrigation System: A smart irrigation plan using drip systems and treated water pipelines will replace tanker-based watering, reducing waste and ensuring plant survival.
Green Infrastructure Expansion
NDMC will set up nine decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at locations such as Bapu Dham, AIIMS, and Nehru Park to enhance the supply of treated water for plantation activities.
So far, plantations have been executed at 89 locations including Barakhamba Road, Hailey Road, Janpath, Ferozeshah Road, Sansad Marg, Panchsheel Marg, and more. Tree species being planted include native and environment-friendly varieties like Peepal, Neem, Jamun, Imli, Ashoka, Arjuna, Amaltas, Gulmohar, and Silver Oak.
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Campaigns and Upcoming Events
As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 204 trees and over 18,000 shrubs have already been planted. On July 27 (Hariyali Teej), NDMC plans to plant 240 more trees and 36,200 shrubs on roads like Tolstoy Road, Jantar Mantar, and Lodhi Road.
Additional Green Initiatives
- 4,000 flowering baskets to be installed on central verges and roadside poles.
- Rooftop gardens in government buildings to promote vertical greenery.
- A fully operational “tree ambulance” and plant protection cell based at Lodhi Garden to provide tree surgeries, pest control, and soil treatment.
NDMC’s Green Footprint
NDMC manages 1,150 acres of green space, including iconic parks like Lodhi Garden, Central Park, and Nehru Park, along with over 15,000 avenue trees. Despite occupying only 3% of Delhi’s area, NDMC contributes nearly 55% of the city’s total green cover, establishing itself as a national leader in urban ecological planning.
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