New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Saturday launched a Mega Tree Plantation Drive in Rohini, describing the survival rate of saplings as the real yardstick to assess the success of a green campaign.

“Tree plantation is not merely an event; it is a commitment to future generations. The true success of a plantation drive lies not in the number of trees planted, but in the number that survive and flourish,” said Gupta at Chitragupt Park, DDA District Park, Sector-14, Rohini.

Underscoring that plantation alone is not sufficient, Gupta stressed that the survival and sustained care of every sapling must remain the foremost priority.

“There is a significant difference between planting a tree and ensuring that it grows into a healthy tree. Our responsibility does not end with plantation; it begins there,” he remarked, urging citizens to nurture every sapling with dedication.

The plantation drive was organised by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in collaboration with voluntary organisations to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen community participation in creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier Delhi.

During the programme, over 500 indigenous Jamun saplings were planted, with special emphasis on increasing the green cover through native tree species.

The programme was attended by the Deputy Director of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), a Councillor, the Deputy Chairman of the Rohini Zone, representatives of social organisations, along with other public representatives, environmentalists, volunteers, and residents committed to promoting a greener and healthier Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta said that Rohini has emerged as one of Delhi’s greenest localities due to sustained public participation and long-term environmental efforts.

He emphasised that the campaign launched from the District Park should evolve into a mass movement reaching every household, encouraging citizens to actively participate in protecting and expanding Delhi’s green cover.

Highlighting the importance of indigenous species, the Speaker said that native trees such as Neem and Jamun are best suited to the local ecosystem and should be planted extensively.

He appealed to residents to organise plantation drives in their neighbourhood parks and become active stakeholders in environmental conservation.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, the Speaker said the initiative carries a deep emotional and cultural message by encouraging every citizen to plant and care for a tree in honour of one’s mother.

He noted that nurturing such a tree becomes a lasting expression of love, gratitude and remembrance, strengthening both family values and environmental consciousness.

–IANS

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