New Delhi Launches NDMC Drive with Tree Ambulances, Smart Watering to Green City
New Delhi, a pivotal urban centre, is embarking on an ambitious journey to augment its verdant landscapes, integrating advanced technological solutions with community engagement. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has commenced an extensive plantation drive, characterised by innovative initiatives such as “tree ambulances” and smart watering systems, signalling a proactive approach towards creating a zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban environment. This comprehensive strategy is designed to eradicate barren patches across key arterial roads and junctions, thereby significantly contributing to air pollution reduction and fostering a healthier cityscape.
The core of this transformative endeavour lies in addressing critical ecological gaps within the urban fabric. Officials have meticulously identified “brown patches” – areas previously devoid of green cover or impacted by excavation work – across 80 major roads, junctions, and roundabouts. The targeted “Gap Filling Campaign” and “End-to-End Green Cover” initiatives aim to seamlessly integrate greenery, transforming these neglected zones into thriving ecological corridors. This systematic approach is crucial for achieving a holistic increase in the city’s green footprint, contributing to improved air quality and a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.
A cornerstone of the NDMC’s strategy is the implementation of a “smart watering” system, a pivotal step towards efficient water resource management. This initiative includes the widespread adoption of drip irrigation systems and the installation of water sprinklers, akin to those successfully deployed in Nehru Park, across various lawns and gardens. Such intelligent irrigation not only conserves precious water resources but also ensures optimal hydration for newly planted and existing flora, promoting their healthy growth and resilience. This technological leap reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, essential for long-term ecological balance in a water-stressed urban environment.
Furthermore, the greening mandate extends to a significant plantation drive under a national initiative, targeting the planting of 3,000 trees, 35 lakh shrubs, and 3,946 bamboo plants across 89 identified sites. The selection of diverse tree species such as Arjun, Peepal, Champa, Jamun, Imli, Neem, Cassia Fistula (Amaltas), Ashoka, Khirni, Silver Oak, Harsingar, and Gulmohar, along with various shrub species, ensures biodiversity enrichment. Notably, Golden and Budha Valley bamboo varieties will be strategically planted along boundary walls at locations including Akbar Road, Subramanium Bharti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, and Mandir Marg. These bamboo barriers are envisioned to serve as natural green screens, enhancing both aesthetics and biodiversity, while also contributing to noise reduction and dust suppression.
A key innovation in the NDMC’s commitment to existing green assets is the deployment of a specialised “tree ambulance.” This mobile unit, operated by the Plant Protection Cell at Lodhi Garden, is fully equipped to conduct vital tree surgeries, execute termite and pest control measures, and administer essential soil treatments. Staffed by a dedicated team, this initiative ensures the ongoing health and longevity of the city’s mature trees, a critical component of urban green infrastructure. This proactive maintenance mechanism safeguards the ecological capital already invested, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to arboricultural health.
The impressive scope of the plantation drive spans prominent areas across the capital, including Shankar Road, Hailey Road, Barakhamba Road, Feroz Shah Road, Janpath, Mahadev Road, Sansad Marg, KG Marg, Peshwa Road, Tansen Marg, Udyan Marg, Bangla Sahib Road, RK Ashram Marg, Tilak Marg, Maulana Azad Road, Akbar Road, and Panchsheel Marg. These strategic locations, coupled with the installation of 4,000 flower hanging baskets crafted from biodegradable coconut shells and the promotion of rooftop gardening, illustrate a multi-faceted approach to urban greening. These initiatives are not merely about aesthetics but aim to integrate nature into the urban fabric, fostering a healthier and more liveable city.
Despite encompassing only 3% of Delhi’s total geographical area, NDMC remarkably contributes nearly 55% of the city’s green cover, a testament to its efficient green management practices. This leadership position as the “greenest urban local body in the country” is actively maintained through continuous innovation and diligent efforts. The civic body also plans to construct nine new decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs) at critical locations such as Bapu Dham, Nehru Park, Akbar Road, and AIIMS. These STPs will facilitate the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, further enhancing water sustainability within the urban ecosystem.
The success of these large-scale environmental initiatives hinges on collaborative participation. The NDMC intends to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including government representatives, foreign embassies, Resident Welfare Associations, Market Traders Associations, Bar Associations, hospitals, private institutions, and both government and private schools. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of collective responsibility for the city’s green future. As part of a special cultural celebration, 240 trees and 36,200 shrubs are earmarked for planting across 20 key locations on July 27, coinciding with the festival of Hariyali Teej. These concerted efforts underscore a visionary approach to urban planning, striving to create a harmonious balance between development and environmental preservation for all citizens.
