Delhi Gets 18 Namo Oxygen Parks on World Environment Day

• 18 Namo Oxygen Parks inaugurated across Delhi
• Delhi targets plantation of 15 lakh trees in 2026
• Bhupender Yadav highlights India’s environmental achievements
• Delhi Bird Atlas and key conservation plans released

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th June: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated 18 Namo Oxygen Parks across the national capital and launched a series of environmental initiatives under the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026.

The event, held at the Namo Oxygen Park in Maidangarhi, marked a major push towards urban greening, biodiversity conservation and improved air quality in Delhi.

Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from the Centre and Delhi Government were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Bhupender Yadav said the world currently faces three major environmental challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation leading to desertification. He highlighted India’s growing role in global environmental action under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Minister cited achievements including rapid solar energy expansion, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the International Solar Alliance, the International Big Cat Alliance, expansion of Ramsar wetland sites and progress in meeting climate commitments ahead of schedule.

He said environmental conservation can succeed only through collective efforts and active public participation.

Referring to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Yadav said the initiative has transformed tree plantation into a nationwide movement rooted in environmental responsibility and gratitude.

He urged citizens not only to plant trees but also to ensure their long-term care and protection.

Highlighting measures to improve Delhi’s air quality, Yadav said the Delhi Government and the Commission for Air Quality Management are working to tackle pollution from road dust, vehicles and industries through continuous emission monitoring systems, pollution control devices, mechanised road cleaning and promotion of electric mobility.

He noted that the newly inaugurated Namo Oxygen Parks would function as urban green lungs, helping improve air quality, support biodiversity and provide recreational spaces for residents.

During the event, three major environmental publications prepared by the Delhi Government were also released. These included the Working Plan Document for the National Capital Territory of Delhi (2026-27 to 2036-37), the Management Plan for Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (2024-25 to 2034-35), and the Delhi Bird Atlas.

The Minister said these scientific documents would strengthen environmental governance and support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and sustainable urban development.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Delhi Government has set a target of planting 15 lakh trees across the city this year.

She said increasing green cover remains one of the most effective ways to improve air quality and stressed that public participation is crucial not only in plantation drives but also in ensuring the survival and growth of planted saplings.

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 as part of the ‘Dust-Free Delhi’ initiative.

Civil society organisations that contributed to the preparation of the Delhi Bird Atlas were honoured during the programme for their role in environmental documentation and citizen-led conservation efforts.

The initiatives form part of broader efforts by the Centre and the Delhi Government to promote sustainable development, ecological conservation and public participation in environmental protection.