Delhi and NCR to Plant 4.5 Crore Trees in 2024-25 to Improve Air Quality
The Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) has announced a major initiative to plant 4.5 crore trees in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the 2024-25 period. This effort aims to create a larger green area and improve air quality.
Plantation Targets
The Environment Ministry has set specific targets for various regions:
| Region | Target |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 56,40,593 |
| Haryana | 1,32,50,000 |
| Rajasthan | 42,68,649 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,97,56,196 |
Central government agencies in the NCR are also expected to plant about 12,07,000 trees, a significant increase from the previous year’s target of 6,29,500.
Involvement of Academic Institutions
Academic and higher education institutions have been encouraged to participate in extensive greening and plantation drives within and outside their campuses, with a cumulative target of 9,08,742 trees.
Urban Forestry Initiatives
Due to the scarcity of open land in dense urban areas, the Commission is promoting urban forestry initiatives, particularly focusing on the Miyawaki Technique. Road-owning agencies in the NCR have been advised to green the central verges, medians, roadsides, and open areas along major roads.
Importance of the Initiative
The Commission, established for Air Quality Management in the NCR, emphasizes that extensive greening and plantation in open areas, especially along roads, is an effective way to reduce high dust levels, a major concern for poor air quality during dry summer seasons.
Previous Year Compliance
For the 2023-24 period, state-wise compliance with plantation targets was as follows:
- Delhi: 84.6%
- Haryana: 87.4%
- Rajasthan: 86.2%
- Uttar Pradesh: 103.4%
