To commemorate the World Environment Day and foster environmental awareness, Keshav Chandra, Chairman – New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), planted a sapling of ‘Lagerstroemia (Pride of India)’ to kick off a tree plantation drive at Nehru Park, Chankyapuri, New Delhi today morning.
On the occasion, after planting the tree, Keshav Chandra said that one of the most impactful ways to contribute to this Environment Day is by planting a tree. Trees play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change. Trees are vital components of our environment thus providing numerous benefits that sustain life on Earth. They act as natural air purifiers by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
He informed that NDMC is set to launch an Intensive Tree Plantation Drive to plant 2,039 trees and approximately 4.82 lakh shrubs across its area. The plantation activities are scheduled to begin in the first or second week of July, in line with the arrival of the monsoon season. This new targets for 2025 have been determined after an extensive survey to identify areas in need of increased greenery.
Under the tree plantation drive, NDMC’s Secretary – Shri Tariq Thomas along with other Senior Officers and employees also planted the saplings of varieties of tree.
Keshav Chandra highlighted that the theme for World Environment Day 2025 is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet – even in our bodies in the form of micro plastics today. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. World Environment Day in 2025 will focus on ending plastic pollution.
He appeals to the citizens and called people from all walk of life to beat plastic pollution, focus on reducing your use of single-use plastics, embracing reusable alternatives and recycling responsibly. This includes avoiding plastic bags, straws, and bottled water and opting for reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers.
He informed that NDMC organised a three days Recycle Mela at three sites – Connaught Place, Khan Market and Malcha Market in New Delhi area this week. The event encouraged sustainable practices by educating the public on minimizing waste generation, reusing materials, and responsibly recycling waste streams.
The NDMC’s Recycle Mela served as a collection hub for recyclables and showcased accessible, market-ready products made from recycled materials – demonstrating the economic and environmental value of circularity.
As part of the World Environment Day, NDMC has also launched the distribution of “Litter-Free Area” stickers to all shops across its jurisdiction. Shopkeepers will proudly display these at their entrances to show their commitment to a cleaner & greener NDMC. The sticker carries key messages of Single Use Plastic is Banned, Choose Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Use the Dustbin – Don’t Litter.
NDMC has aimed to make all its areas litter-free. This is a vital step towards bringing about behaviour change among citizens, and shopkeepers will play a key role in sensitizing the public. NDMC urges everyone to support this initiative and help keep the city clean, green and truly worthy of being the heart of the capital of India.
