New Delhi, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at improving air quality and strengthening environmental conservation in the national capital.
The minister said the government is implementing several measures to curb pollution, including the installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), deployment of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs), mechanized road cleaning, and the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles.
Emphasizing the importance of urban greenery, Yadav noted that ecological assets such as Namo Vans and Oxygen Parks are being developed across the country. In Delhi, 18 Namo Oxygen Parks have been established to act as urban green lungs, helping improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide recreational spaces for residents. He stressed that public participation will be critical to ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.
The minister also called for integrated conservation of forests, wetlands, and grasslands to strengthen ecosystem resilience and ensure sustainable environmental protection.
During the event, three key environmental publications prepared by the Government of NCT Delhi were released. These included the Working Plan Document for Delhi (2026–27 to 2036–37), a ten-year roadmap for environmental governance and sustainable development; the Management Plan for Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (2024–25 to 2034–35), outlining conservation and restoration strategies for the sanctuary; and the Delhi Bird Atlas, a comprehensive documentation of the capital’s bird diversity compiled through a large citizen-science initiative.
Yadav said these scientific planning documents would strengthen environmental governance and support biodiversity conservation, wetland protection, and sustainable urban development in a rapidly growing city.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also addressed the gathering, announced that the Delhi Government has set a target of planting 15 lakh trees across the city this year. She described increasing green cover as one of the most effective measures to improve air quality and urged citizens to actively participate not only in plantation drives but also in the care and protection of newly planted trees.
The dignitaries also participated in a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and reviewed an exhibition showcasing local grass and shrub species under the ‘Dust-Free Delhi’ initiative. Civil society organizations that contributed to the Delhi Bird Atlas were honoured with certificates of recognition for their role in environmental monitoring and biodiversity documentation.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and community-led efforts to create a greener and cleaner Delhi.
