Union Home Minister Amit Shah today launched the mission to plant 70 lakh saplings in Delhi under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam abhiyan to increase green cover in the national capital.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shah said that this campaign is a significant initiative aimed at transforming Delhi’s environment. He said that Delhi government has taken a positive step in this direction and declared 5,000 hectares of this area as forest land.
Mr Shah said that the Central government and the Delhi Government have resolved to fully develop six thousand 300 hectares of green Ridge area into forest land over the next four years and ensure its protection.
He said that the Ridge will have more than 70 ponds and small restaurants, and its archaeological structures will also be preserved there.
The Home Minister highlighted that the government is continuously working to clean the Yamuna River. He added that in the past one year, 129 sewage treatment plants have become operational, which is ensuring the flow of treated water into the river. Home Minister said cow dung from Delhi’s dairies will no longer flow directly into the Yamuna river.
Home Minister launched 300 electric buses, virtually inaugurated three newly built bus depots and 40 vehicle testing centers and laid the foundation stone for a High Security Prison in Narela.
On the occassion, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the Delhi government is working to make the capital greener, cleaner, and more sustainable.
He mentioned that a target of planting 70 lakh saplings has been set for this year, and over 12 lakh saplings will also be distributed free of cost. She appealed citizens to actively participate in the campaign.
During the event, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, and several other official were present.