India Sets Global Environmental Agenda as Delhi Inaugurates 18 Oxygen Parks and Launches Mega Greening Drive

India Sets Global Environmental Agenda as Delhi Inaugurates 18 Oxygen Parks and Launches Mega Greening Drive​

The Union Government and the Delhi Administration marked World Environment Day 2026 with a massive push towards urban greening and ecological resilience. Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated eighteen new 'Namo Oxygen Parks' across Delhi. These parks are set to serve as vital urban green lungs, directly tackling air quality issues in the National Capital Territory (NCT).

The event, held at Namo Oxygen Park, Maidangarhi, saw the launch of comprehensive environmental initiatives under the nationwide campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. This initiative aims to transform tree plantation into a deeply rooted people’s movement across the country. Dignitaries present included Union Minister of State (EFCC), Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, and Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife (NCT Delhi), Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

India’s Environmental Leadership Reaffirmed by Union Ministry​

Shri Bhupender Yadav addressed the gathering, highlighting that humanity faces severe environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. He noted that India has emerged as a global leader in response to these threats under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Minister pointed out significant milestones achieved by India. These include becoming a leading nation in solar capacity addition and establishing the International Solar Alliance. Furthermore, India has successfully expanded Ramsar Wetland sites and met several Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets ahead of schedule.

Shri Yadav emphasized that conservation demands collective action, urging citizens not only to plant trees but also to actively nurture and protect them for future generations. He stressed the need for integrated conservation across woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands to ensure holistic ecosystem protection.

Delhi Sets 15 Lakh Tree Target; Community Participation Vowed​

Chief Minister (NCT Delhi), Smt. Rekha Gupta, underscored the critical role of increasing green cover in improving Delhi's air quality. She announced that the Delhi Government has set an ambitious target of planting 15 lakh trees across the city within the current year.

The government is simultaneously addressing major sources of urban pollution. Active measures are being implemented to combat road dust, industrial pollution, and vehicular emissions. These steps include the deployment of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) and accelerating the shift toward electric mobility options.

Shri Yadav noted that these initiatives in Delhi were designed as part of broader national efforts, reinforcing how community participation is indispensable for the long-term success and stewardship of urban ecological assets.

Three Major Publications Strengthen Environmental Governance​

The event also saw the release of three critical scientific publications prepared by the Government of NCT of Delhi. These documents are crucial for strengthening environmental governance and informed management in the capital city.

First, the Working Plan Document for the National Capital Territory of Delhi (2026-27 to 2036-37) provides a ten-year framework outlining strategies for sustainable development and conservation. Second, the Management Plan for Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (2024-25 to 2034-35) is a comprehensive blueprint dedicated to the protection and restoration of this critical biodiversity reserve.

The third publication released was the Delhi Bird Atlas, a landmark compilation of data on the city’s avifauna. This atlas was created through extensive citizen science efforts involving local naturalists and volunteers across Delhi.

Dignitaries participated in a sapling plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Civil society organizations that contributed to the Delhi Bird Atlas were formally honored at the ceremony for their invaluable role in environmental documentation.