GreenCover – Delhi Plans Massive Native Tree Plantation Across City
GreenCover – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has unveiled an ambitious citywide plantation programme aimed at significantly expanding green spaces across the national capital. The initiative follows directions issued by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu during a review meeting conducted earlier this year and is expected to become one of the largest urban afforestation efforts undertaken in Delhi.

Large-Scale Plantation Planned Across Multiple Locations
As part of the campaign, nearly 2.3 million native saplings will be planted across approximately 1,000 acres of land spread over different parts of Delhi. The plantation drive will include a mix of trees, shrubs, and bushes selected to support the region’s ecological requirements and long-term environmental sustainability.
Officials associated with the programme said the objective is to strengthen the city’s green infrastructure while creating healthier and more resilient urban ecosystems. The effort is expected to contribute significantly to environmental conservation and landscape restoration across Delhi.
Focus on Native and Climate-Resilient Species
Plantation activities are scheduled to commence during the first week of July and continue until mid-September 2026. Authorities have decided to prioritize native and climate-adaptive plant species to ensure better survival rates and long-term ecological benefits.
Experts involved in the project believe that using indigenous vegetation will help improve biodiversity, increase carbon absorption capacity, and support natural ecological networks connecting various green zones throughout the city. These measures are also expected to help maintain local environmental balance in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Expanding Ecological Infrastructure Across Delhi
According to officials, the afforestation programme is projected to bring nearly 2.9 percent of Delhi’s total geographical area under focused restoration and plantation activities. This expansion is expected to strengthen the city’s ecological infrastructure and create additional green buffers in densely populated urban areas.
Authorities noted that enhanced vegetation cover can play an important role in reducing environmental stress, improving urban resilience, and creating healthier surroundings for residents. The initiative is also expected to support long-term sustainability goals outlined for the capital.
Coverage Includes Parks, Ridge Areas and Biodiversity Zones
The plantation campaign will be implemented across an extensive network of green spaces managed by the DDA. These include 675 parks, four Ridge regions, six biodiversity parks, urban forest areas, green corridors, and sections of the Yamuna floodplain.
Officials stated that the selection of these locations has been designed to maximize ecological impact while improving connectivity between existing green habitats. The integrated approach aims to create stronger natural corridors that can support wildlife movement and ecosystem stability.
Expected Environmental Benefits
Authorities expect the initiative to deliver several environmental advantages beyond increasing tree cover. These include improvements in air quality, enhanced groundwater recharge, creation of habitats for birds and other wildlife, and better regulation of local temperatures.
The programme is also anticipated to improve overall urban liveability by providing greener public spaces and contributing to a cleaner environment. With large-scale participation and careful implementation, the project is expected to become a major step toward building a healthier and more sustainable Delhi for future generations.