Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Mission 70 Lakh Plantation & Delhi Ridge Revitalisation – Key Green Initiatives 2026
On 7 July 2026, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Mission 70 Lakh Plantation — A Delhi government initiative to plant 70 lakh (7 million) trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, aimed at enhancing urban green cover (GS4: Environment).">Mission 70 Lakh Plantation</span> drive and declared 5,000 hectares of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Delhi Ridge — A stretch of forested hills running through Delhi, often called the city’s ‘lungs’; its restoration is crucial for air quality and biodiversity (GS4: Environment).">Delhi Ridge</span> as protected forest land, alongside EV policy roll‑out and a cow‑dung biogas agreement, marking a comprehensive push for a greener Delhi.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated a series of green projects in New Delhi on 7 July 2026, chief among them the Mission 70 Lakh Plantation drive and the rejuvenation of the Delhi Ridge . The launch aligns with the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, which seeks to turn tree‑planting into a people’s movement. Key Developments (July 2026) Planting of native, long‑lived species such as Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun and Jamun across the Ridge. Declaration of 5,000 hectares of the Ridge as forest land, providing legal protection under the Indian Forest Act. Launch of the EV Policy – 300 electric buses flagged off, three new depots inaugurated and 40 vehicle‑testing centres operational. Foundation stone laid for a high‑security prison at Narela and an automated vehicle testing centre. Agreement with the National Dairy Development Board to convert all cow dung into biogas and organic manure, ending the discharge of ~1,500 metric tonnes of dung into the Yamuna daily. Creation of the Working Plan Document (2026‑36) , Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan and a Biodiversity Atlas. Important Facts The Ridge will host more than 70 ponds, water bodies and archaeological structures, and eight themed forests (e.g., Nakshatra Van, Mel Van). Over the next three years, more than 1 crore native saplings and 65 lakh trees expected to reach a century‑plus lifespan will be planted. The Green Drive Portal now offers free saplings and a nursery locator for citizens. UPSC Relevance These initiatives touch upon several GS papers: GS‑4 (Environment & Ecology) : Restoration of the Delhi Ridge and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign illustrate urban afforestation, biodiversity conservation and climate‑mitigation strategies. GS‑3 (Economy & Development) : The EV Policy and biogas generation from cow dung showcase sustainable transport and waste‑to‑energy economics. GS‑2 (Polity) : Legal declaration of forest land under the Indian Forest Act demonstrates the role of central and state governments in environmental legislation. Way Forward For aspirants, monitor the implementation of the Working Plan Document (2026‑36) and related performance reports. Track the impact of the EV Policy on urban air quality, and assess how the biogas project with the NDDB contributes to Yamuna rejuvenation. Understanding these multi‑sectoral linkages will help answer questions on sustainable development, governance and environmental policy in the UPSC mains and prelims.
Quick Reference
Key Insight
Delhi’s green makeover links urban afforestation, legal protection and sustainable transport – a must‑know for GS‑3.
Key Facts
- 7 July 2026: Amit Shah inaugurated Mission 70 Lakh Plantation and Delhi Ridge revitalisation.
- Goal: Plant 70 lakh (7 million) trees under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
- 5,000 hectares of Delhi Ridge declared forest land under the Indian Forest Act.
- 300 electric buses flagged off; 40 vehicle‑testing centres and three new depots opened.
- NDDB agreement to convert ~1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung daily into biogas and organic manure.
- Working Plan Document (2026‑36) and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan prepared.
- Over next 3 years: 1 crore (10 million) native saplings and 65 lakh (6.5 million) long‑lived trees to be planted.
Background
Urban forests like the Delhi Ridge act as the city’s lungs, improving air quality and biodiversity. Declaring the ridge as forest land gives it legal protection, while large‑scale tree planting and EV adoption address climate mitigation and sustainable development – core themes of the UPSC environment and economy syllabus.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
- Essay — Environment and Sustainability
- Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs
- Prelims_GS — Ecology and Biodiversity
- GS3 — Environmental Impact Assessment
- Prelims_GS — Environmental Issues and Climate Change
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
- Prelims_GS — Sustainable Development and Inclusion
Mains Angle
GS‑3 (Economy & Development) – discuss how integrated green policies (afforestation, EVs, waste‑to‑energy) can drive sustainable urban growth; possible question: ‘Evaluate the role of multi‑sectoral initiatives in achieving Delhi’s climate‑resilient development.’