Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, aiming to plant 70 lakh saplings in 2025 to boost the city’s green cover. The Van Mahotsav initiative, inaugurated on July 3, seeks to combat pollution and engage communities, schools, and organizations in a collective effort to make Delhi cleaner and more sustainable.
Delhi’s Bold Step Toward a Greener Capital
On July 3, 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Van Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, marking the launch of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, an ambitious initiative to plant 70 lakh saplings across the national capital. The campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to enhance Delhi’s green cover, improve air quality, and foster community participation in environmental conservation.
The drive, which builds on the earlier phase launched in June at Shalimar Bagh, encourages every Delhi resident to plant trees in honor of their mothers. Gupta emphasized the emotional and environmental significance of the initiative, stating, “This tree is a symbol of a mother’s love and our nation’s spirit.” She criticized the previous Aam Aadmi Party-led government for neglecting environmental priorities, alleging they showed little interest in tree plantation drives.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the campaign as a “new milestone” for the city, noting that the planting of 70 lakh trees will address Delhi’s long-standing pollution challenges. “If these efforts had been made earlier, Delhi’s air quality would not be in the state it is today,” Sirsa remarked, highlighting the government’s commitment to reversing environmental neglect.
The initiative involves schools, resident welfare associations, government offices, and corporate groups. The Delhi Directorate of Education has planned to plant 3.7 lakh saplings in and around schools from July 1 to July 27, under the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ with saplings provided free by government nurseries. Each school is tasked with planting at least 350 saplings, including trees, shrubs, and bamboos, with monthly progress reports submitted for monitoring.
Additionally, a bamboo plantation drive at Okhla Landfill, launched by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Gupta on June 7, aims to transform landfill sites into green zones. Around 8,000 bamboo saplings, along with lemongrass and vetiver, are being planted to improve oxygen levels and prevent heavy metal seepage into groundwater.
The campaign also aligns with infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, where the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated planting 40,000 trees along the corridor to promote biodiversity and reduce soil erosion.
Gupta urged Delhiites to participate actively, stating, “We want every individual to plant trees, as they are natural air purifiers and a breath of life for future generations.” The government has set up mechanisms to ensure the survival of saplings, with nodal officers appointed to oversee plantation and maintenance efforts across departments.
The initiative has garnered attention on social media, with posts on X highlighting the campaign’s potential to improve air quality and reduce urban heat. One user noted the significance of planting 7 million trees, emphasizing the need for long-term care to ensure success. Another post praised the introduction of Miyawaki forests in Delhi, which grow denser and faster, potentially reducing temperatures by 4-7°C.
As Delhi battles severe air pollution and rising temperatures, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign represents a concerted effort to create a sustainable, greener future. With community involvement and strategic planning, the initiative aims to set a benchmark for urban environmental conservation in India.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, and posts on X. Information is accurate as of July 3, 2025, and subject to updates as new developments emerge.