Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared an article by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighting the need for collective action and public participation to address environmental challenges, as the country observed World Environment Day.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “On World Environment Day, Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav calls for collective action and public participation to address environmental challenges through nature-based solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective and capable of delivering long-term ecological benefits. He emphasises that a greener Delhi will be a symbol of India’s commitment to balancing development with environmental responsibility.”
Yadav said the government under PM Modi is committed to environmental protection while mobilising citizens for collective action. In his article, he outlined plans to tackle the capital’s environmental challenges through large-scale greening and ecological restoration initiatives.
The minister said that the Department of Forest and Wildlife of the Delhi Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will undertake an ambitious plantation and ecological restoration programme during 2026-27. A key focus of the initiative will be the restoration of the Delhi Ridge, often referred to as the capital’s “green lungs” and an extension of the ancient Aravalli landscape.
Under the initiative, the government has set a target of planting approximately 28.57 lakh plantation units, including 14.27 lakh trees and 14.29 lakh shrubs and bamboo plants. The Southern Ridge will account for the largest share of the plantation drive, with over 19 lakh plantation units aimed at restoring degraded forest landscapes and strengthening ecological connectivity.
Several agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Public Works Department, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Development Authority, National Highways Authority of India, and others, have been tasked with coordinated plantation drives along roads and public spaces. Collectively, these agencies will plant more than 4.5 lakh trees and millions of shrubs, hedges, and bamboo units to act as natural dust barriers.
Yadav noted that extensive road redevelopment, paving, greening of central verges, and creation of underground utility ducts are also being undertaken. A total of 3,538 kilometres of roads have been identified for redevelopment, while 382 acres of degraded and brownfield land have been earmarked for ecological restoration and greening.
Emphasising that governments alone cannot solve environmental challenges, the minister called for greater public participation in conservation efforts. “Every tree planted, every green space restored and every citizen who embraces a sustainable lifestyle contributes to building a better future,” he said.
Yadav concluded that a greener Delhi would not only improve environmental conditions in the capital but also serve as a model of sustainable development and a symbol of India’s vision for a developed and environmentally responsible nation.
