Amit Shah Leads Ambitious Tree‑Planting Mission to Revive Delhi’s ‘Green Lungs’

On a breezy morning at the historic Delhi Ridge, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stood beneath a canopy of aged trees and announced a bold new plantation drive. The goal? To breathe life back into the Ridge, often called Delhi’s ‘green lungs’, by planting tens of thousands of saplings over the next few years.

Shah’s speech was peppered with both statistics and sentiment. He reminded the crowd that the Ridge, a stretch of forest that once stretched unbroken across the city, has been shrinking for decades due to unchecked urban sprawl. “We can’t afford to lose this natural buffer,” he said, his voice echoing across the gathering of officials, volunteers, and curious onlookers.

The plan is simple on paper but massive in scale: about 100,000 saplings of native species such as gulmohar, neem, and sheesham will be distributed to schools, NGOs, and local communities. Each participant will receive seedlings, guidance on planting, and a promise of after‑care support from the Delhi Forest Department.

Local officials stressed that this isn’t just a one‑off event. A monitoring committee will track growth, survival rates, and overall impact on air quality. In fact, early estimates suggest that a fully restored Ridge could filter up to 40% more pollutants, a welcome relief for a city that constantly battles smog.

There’s also an emotional angle. Many Delhi residents shared personal stories of growing up playing under the Ridge’s shade, recalling how the forest once served as a playground, a refuge, and a place of quiet contemplation. “It’s more than trees; it’s memory,” said one senior citizen, wiping a tear.

Critics, however, caution that planting trees is only half the battle. They argue that strict enforcement against illegal constructions, better waste management, and continuous funding are equally essential. Shah acknowledged these concerns, pledging coordination with the Delhi government and urging citizens to act as watchdogs.

As the ceremony concluded, volunteers marched forward, each clutching a young sapling, eyes bright with hope. The hope that, in a few years, the Ridge will once again stand tall—providing clean air, cooler temperatures, and a reminder that even in a bustling metropolis, nature can reclaim its space.