CM inaugurates Van Mahotsav celebrations
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated the Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, marking the launch of one of the Capital’s largest-ever plantation drives.
Joined by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, PWD Minister Pravesh Verma, MP Bansuri Swaraj, Chief Secretary Dharmendra and hundreds of students, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a two-day Van Mahotsav exhibition at Pragati Maidan, celebrating eco-innovation and community-led green action.
Calling the initiative a “people’s movement,” CM Gupta pledged to transform Delhi from a “gas chamber” into a “green Capital.” “This is not just a celebration of tree planting but a reflection of our collective responsibility towards Mother Earth. It is a pledge to gift future generations the gift of life and greenery,” she said.
The campaign, under the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, aims to emotionally connect citizens with nature, urging them to plant trees in their mothers’ name.
In a strong critique of previous administrations, Gupta said, “For 27 years, no serious action was taken to improve Delhi’s air. Eyewash schemes like odd-even only delayed real solutions.”
She announced that 70 lakh saplings will be planted across Delhi this year, with each tree selected for its ecological value — shade, fruit and support for biodiversity. The government will provide saplings and logistical support, while citizens will be responsible for nurturing them.
Environment Minister Sirsa echoed the sentiment, criticising past inaction and praising the current government’s proactive steps, including the creation of Miyawaki forests and revival of the Ecological Task Force.
Sirsa called the day “historic,” saying if previous governments had prioritised large-scale tree plantation and celebrated Van Mahotsav sincerely, Delhi would not be facing its current air pollution woes.
The accompanying Van Mahotsav Exhibition features over 100 eco-stalls, displaying unique plant species, biodegradable innovations and sustainable lifestyle products. Highlights include stalls by the Eco Task Force and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a deep dive into Delhi’s native biodiversity.
Free saplings are being distributed to all visitors under ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam 2.0’ to plant in their mothers’ name, reinforcing the campaign’s emotional and environmental message.
Delhi