Starting next month, Delhi residents will be able to walk into their neighbourhood parks, register online, and plant a tree — for free. The Delhi government's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive, launching June 22, aims to distribute 70 lakh saplings across the capital, marking one of the city's largest public participation drives for green cover.
What the plantation drive offers Delhi residents
The initiative, part of the annual Van Mahotsav celebrations, will allow residents to register for free saplings through a dedicated online portal. The government plans to open plantation activities to the public, enabling people to choose locations in their own neighbourhoods. This marks a shift from earlier drives that were largely government-led.
Why this matters for Delhi's air quality and green cover
Delhi consistently ranks among the world's most polluted capitals, with poor air quality linked to low green cover in many areas. The plantation drive aims to address this by increasing tree density in residential colonies, along roads, and in public parks. For residents, more trees mean better air filtration, cooler temperatures, and improved quality of life — especially during the harsh summer months.
How the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign evolved
The campaign was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 as a national initiative encouraging citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers. The Delhi government's version scales this up significantly, targeting 70 lakh saplings — a number that reflects the city's population density and environmental needs. Previous plantation drives in Delhi have faced challenges with sapling survival rates, but the government has not yet detailed post-plantation care plans.
Who can participate and how to register
Any Delhi resident can participate. The online portal, expected to go live before June 22, will allow users to register, select sapling varieties, and choose plantation locations. The government has indicated that saplings will be distributed free of cost at designated centres and during community drives. Schools, resident welfare associations, and local groups are expected to be key partners in mobilising participation.
What Delhi government officials have said
According to reports, the Delhi government's forest department is leading the initiative. Officials have emphasised that the portal will make participation easy and transparent. "Residents will be able to book saplings and choose where they want to plant them," a government source told Hindustan Times. The government has not yet released the full list of sapling species or the exact number of distribution points.
What the portal will do — and what remains unclear
The portal is designed to handle registrations, sapling bookings, and location mapping. However, key details remain unconfirmed: the exact launch date of the portal, the varieties of saplings available (native vs. exotic), and whether the government will provide post-plantation support like watering or fencing. Officials have not clarified how sapling survival will be tracked or what happens if a planted tree dies.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: The drive starts June 22. Target is 70 lakh saplings. A portal will be launched for registration. Saplings will be free. The campaign is called 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.
Unclear: Exact portal URL and launch date. Sapling species list. Post-plantation care plan. Survival rate targets. Number of distribution centres. Whether the drive extends beyond Van Mahotsav.
How this compares to previous Delhi plantation drives
Delhi has run large-scale plantation drives before, including the 'Green Delhi' campaign and annual Van Mahotsav events. However, previous efforts have faced criticism for low survival rates — some studies suggest less than 50% of planted saplings survive due to lack of watering, animal grazing, or construction activity. The current drive's success will depend heavily on whether the government provides ongoing care or relies entirely on residents.
Risks and balanced view
While the initiative is widely welcomed, experts caution that planting trees is only half the battle. Without a robust maintenance plan, many saplings may not survive. There are also concerns about planting non-native species that require excessive water — a critical issue in water-scarce Delhi. Critics argue that the government should focus on protecting existing green cover and preventing illegal tree cutting, rather than just counting new plantations.
What residents should do now
If you live in Delhi and want to participate, keep an eye on the Delhi government's forest department website and local news for the portal launch. Prepare by identifying a suitable location — a park, your society's garden, or a roadside verge. Consider native species like neem, peepal, or amaltas, which require less water and support local biodiversity. If you register, commit to watering and caring for the sapling for at least the first year.
What happens next
The portal is expected to go live in the days leading up to June 22. The government may announce distribution centres and community plantation events closer to the date. If the drive succeeds, it could become a model for other cities facing similar air quality challenges. However, the real test will come a year from now — when the survival rate of those 70 lakh saplings is measured.
Our Take
The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' drive is a welcome step, but Delhi's environmental problems require more than symbolic gestures. The government deserves credit for making participation easy through a digital portal and free saplings. However, the absence of a clear post-plantation care plan raises legitimate questions about long-term impact. For this drive to truly matter, the government must track survival rates, involve local communities in maintenance, and pair plantation with stronger protection of existing green cover. Planting 70 lakh trees is ambitious — keeping them alive is the real challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Delhi plantation drive start?
The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' drive begins June 22, 2025, as part of Van Mahotsav celebrations.
How can I get free saplings from the Delhi government?
You can register on the dedicated online portal (to be launched before June 22) to book free saplings and choose a plantation location in your neighbourhood.
What types of saplings will be available?
The government has not yet released the full list, but native species like neem, peepal, and amaltas are commonly distributed in such drives.
Do I need to pay for the saplings or registration?
No. The saplings are free, and registration on the portal is expected to be free as well.
