Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Digitally Inaugurate 18 ‘Namo Oxygen Parks’ Across the Capital

Centre and Delhi Government Join Hands, 100 Such Parks to Be Developed Across Delhi

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Has Evolved Into a Mass Environmental Movement: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav

Previous Government Ignored Pollution; Environment Is Our Top Priority: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, June 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Friday joined Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh at a special event held at the Namo Oxygen Park in Maidan Garhi on the occasion of World Environment Day. The programme marked the launch of several new environmental initiatives of the Delhi Government focused on environmental conservation, green development and public participation.

The event was also attended by Delhi’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, South Delhi MP Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Chhatarpur MLA Shri Kartar Singh Tanwar and other dignitaries.

Launch of 18 Namo Oxygen Parks and Tree Plantation Drive

The programme began with a tree plantation drive led by the dignitaries at the Namo Oxygen Park. On the occasion, the Union ministers and the Chief Minister also digitally inaugurated 18 Namo Oxygen Parks developed across different parts of Delhi. The initiative is aimed at expanding green cover in the capital, reducing air pollution and bringing people closer to nature. According to the Delhi Government’s plan, a total of 185.42 acres under these 18 parks will be developed as green zones. A large number of saplings are being planted as part of the campaign.

The Chief Minister said these Namo Oxygen Parks are different from ordinary parks as they prioritise indigenous and environmentally beneficial species such as peepal, banyan, jamun and mango trees. Besides providing higher oxygen output, these trees will help enrich local biodiversity and support natural habitats for birds. The government aims to develop 100 such oxygen parks across Delhi. Referring to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, she said Delhi can become greener and pollution-free if every citizen plants a sapling and takes responsibility for nurturing it.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said the programme at the Namo Oxygen Park in Maidangarhi was an important step towards expanding urban green spaces, improving air quality and encouraging public participation in environmental conservation. He said the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has successfully transformed tree plantation into a mass movement linked to gratitude, responsibility and environmental awareness. He urged citizens not only to plant trees but also to ensure their protection and growth so that future generations can inherit a clean, green and healthy environment.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta thanked the Central Government and said Delhi’s efforts to become cleaner and greener have gained momentum through the continued guidance and support of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav.

She said the previous government had not shown the required seriousness in addressing the growing pollution problem over the years, whereas the present government has placed environmental protection among its highest priorities. The Delhi Government has set an ambitious target of planting 70 lakh trees and saplings this year. The objective, she said, is not merely plantation but ensuring 100 percent survival through geo-tagging and proper maintenance. She added that the campaign cannot succeed through government efforts alone and requires active public participation. To achieve this, local caretaking committees will be formed for every Namo Oxygen Park so that residents can take part in their protection and upkeep.

Delhi Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative, launched on the historic occasion of World Environment Day, seeks to expand green cover, promote a cleaner environment and build a healthier Delhi through public participation.

He said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi is moving rapidly towards development, prosperity and environmental sustainability. The capital’s growing green cover reflects her commitment to environmental protection and overall development. The minister also said that, in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s Green India vision and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Delhi Government is working to significantly expand green spaces across the city. The initiative gives priority to native tree species that require less water and are better suited to Delhi’s climate. He said the government is continuously working to increase green cover for the benefit of every citizen. In a major step in this direction, nearly 11,000 acres of land have been notified as forest area, which will help protect these zones from encroachment and preserve them as valuable green assets for future generations. He expressed confidence that the initiative would become an important milestone in Delhi’s environmental journey.

Release of Three Policy Documents and Felicitation of Citizens

During the programme, three important scientific and policy documents/books aimed at strengthening Delhi’s ecosystem over the long term were released. The Chief Minister described these documents as a roadmap for shaping a greener and environmentally sustainable future for the capital. Civil society organisations, environmentalists and bird experts who made significant contributions to the Delhi Bird Atlas were honoured during the event. The dignitaries also visited a special exhibition based on the Dust-Free Delhi Campaign. The exhibition showcased Delhi’s native tree species, medicinal shrubs, advanced dust-control technologies and various government initiatives related to environmental management.