New Delhi, June 5: Marking World Environment Day 2026, the government on Friday inaugurated 18 Namo Oxygen Parks across Delhi and launched a series of environmental initiatives under the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, aimed at enhancing urban greenery, improving air quality and encouraging public participation in environmental conservation.
The main event was held at Namo Oxygen Park, Maidangarhi, in the presence of Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, Delhi Environment Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from the Centre and Delhi Government.
Addressing the gathering, Bhupender Yadav highlighted the global environmental challenges facing humanity. “Humanity today faces three major environmental challenges , climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation leading to desertification,” he said.
The minister noted that India has emerged as a global leader in environmental action under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He 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 the achievement of several climate targets ahead of schedule.
Referring to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Yadav said it had evolved into a people’s movement. “The campaign has transformed tree plantation into a people’s movement rooted in gratitude, responsibility and environmental consciousness. Citizens should not only plant trees but also nurture and protect them for future generations,” he said.
Highlighting measures to improve Delhi’s air quality, the minister said the Delhi Government, in coordination with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), was addressing major pollution sources including road dust, vehicular emissions and industrial pollution through continuous monitoring, pollution-control technologies, mechanized road cleaning and promotion of electric mobility.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta underscored the importance of increasing green cover in the national capital.
“Increasing green cover is among the most important measures for improving Delhi’s air quality. The Delhi Government has set a target of planting 15 lakh trees across the city this year,” she said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that public participation was critical to the success of plantation drives. “Community participation is essential not only for planting trees but also for nurturing and safeguarding them after plantation,” she added.
The 18 newly inaugurated Namo Oxygen Parks have been developed as urban green lungs to improve air quality, support biodiversity and provide recreational spaces for residents. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Delhi’s ecological resilience and environmental governance.
During the programme, dignitaries participated in a sapling plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and visited an exhibition showcasing local grass and shrub species under the ‘Dust-Free Delhi’ initiative. Civil society organisations that contributed to the Delhi Bird Atlas were also honoured for their role in documenting and monitoring the capital’s biodiversity.
The launch of the Namo Oxygen Parks and associated green initiatives is expected to bolster Delhi’s efforts towards sustainable urban development while encouraging greater citizen involvement in environmental stewardship.
