Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Performs Yoga Near Neeli Jheel at Asola Bhatii on 12th International Yoga Day

‘One Delhi, One Yoga’ Message Resonates Across All 70 Assembly Constituencies of the Capital on International Yoga Day

Yoga is Not Just Exercise but an Indian Way of Life that Connects the Body, Mind and Soul: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, June 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Sunday participated in a special yoga programme organised near Neeli Jheel in the biodiversity-rich and naturally scenic Asola Bhatii area on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day. She joined citizens in a collective yoga session amid the serene natural surroundings. This year, under the theme of ‘One Delhi, One Yoga’, the Delhi Government organised simultaneous yoga programmes across all 70 Assembly constituencies of the capital. Thousands of citizens, students, youth, women and senior citizens enthusiastically took part in the events. The programmes conveyed a message of healthy living and collective public participation through yoga across different parts of the city.

Cabinet Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, South Delhi MP Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, senior officials of the concerned departments, students, yoga instructors and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said yoga is a priceless heritage of Indian culture and a matter of pride for the entire nation. She noted that in 2014, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed the observance of International Yoga Day at the United Nations, a proposal that received unprecedented support from the global community. Today, people in almost every country of the world are making yoga a part of their lives. She said yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a complete way of life that brings balance between the body, mind and soul while shaping one’s consciousness and lifestyle. Regular practice of yoga, she said, helps individuals remain healthy and positive throughout their lives.

Asola Bhatii: Delhi’s Priceless Natural Gift

The Chief Minister said Asola Bhatii is one of Delhi’s most valuable natural treasures, though many residents of the city are still unaware of its richness. Neeli Jheel, vast stretches of greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the tranquil natural environment make visitors feel as though they are far away from the capital at a natural tourist destination. The area is home to leopards, deer, nilgai, several species of birds and other wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Appreciating the efforts of the Environment and Forest Department, the Chief Minister said large-scale plantation and forest conservation work is being carried out in the Asola region and the Southern Ridge. While the area was once dominated largely by kikar and babool trees, native, shade-giving and fruit-bearing species such as mango, neem, peepal and banyan are now being planted. These trees will also benefit birds and animals and further enrich the forest ecosystem.

After the yoga programme, the Chief Minister visited the ‘Viksit Bharat Nursery’ located within the sanctuary premises and reviewed efforts being undertaken for the promotion of native plant species, biodiversity conservation and the expansion of green cover. She also reviewed the progress of plantation activities being carried out in the Asola region and the Southern Ridge. Calling upon Delhiites to participate in environmental initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Delhi Government will launch a large-scale public campaign, ‘Clean Delhi, Green Delhi’, with the onset of the monsoon in July. The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh saplings this year, and the campaign will be formally launched by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. She said schools, colleges, institutions, social organisations and citizens will be encouraged to participate, turning the initiative into a people’s movement.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said every citizen should take a pledge to plant trees, drawing inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. She said a strong connection with both yoga and nature forms the foundation of a healthy, balanced and prosperous life. Inviting Delhi residents to visit Asola Bhatii and experience its natural wealth firsthand, she said time spent in nature brings energy, peace and positivity.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also interacted with soldiers of the 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Eco Rajput Unit deployed at the Asola Bhatii Wildlife Sanctuary and appreciated their contribution towards environmental protection and the conservation of forest resources. Encouraging the personnel, she said that alongside safeguarding the nation’s borders, soldiers are also playing an important role in protecting nature and forest wealth, which is highly inspiring. She also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign being carried out on the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The Chief Minister said yoga and nature are both closely linked to creating a balanced, healthy and prosperous life, and that making environmental protection a people’s movement through public participation is the need of the hour.