Delhi’s Van Mahotsav to host live-streamed plantation drive on July 7

For the first time, the Van Mahotsav, beginning July 7, will feature live telecasts of plantation drives across 50 locations at its inaugural event, officials said on Saturday.

This is part of a mega campaign of the Delhi government to plant 70 lakh saplings throughout the city in phases.

This year’s plantation drive will spread across different parts of the city, unlike previous years when the inaugural event focused mainly on the Ridge, an official told PTI.

The official said an easy-to-use green drive portal will be launched on July 8. Through this portal, residents can register for the plantation drive by choosing a location, date and time slot, he said.

Officials said people who complete the plantation process and submit the required details through the portal will receive a “Paryavaran Rakshak” e-certificate carrying the chief minister’s signature.

Officials said the initiative, which will bring nearly 20 greening agencies together, is the government’s move to boost public participation.

Officials said Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the inaugural event. Officials said the campaign will largely focus on native tree species.

To support the exercise, “Vriksharaths” will be deployed during Van Mahotsav and will later distribute free saplings to residential colonies, housing societies, schools and other institutions.

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