Delhi Unveils 18 Namo Oxygen Parks to Boost Green Cover

Speaking at the event, Bhupender Yadav highlighted the environmental challenges facing the world today, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

Delhi marked World Environment Day 2026 with a major push for urban greening as Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 18 Namo Oxygen Parks across the national capital. The initiative forms part of the nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and aims to improve air quality, expand green spaces, and encourage greater public participation in environmental conservation. The inauguration ceremony was held at Namo Oxygen Park in Maidangarhi and was attended by several senior leaders and officials from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Delhi Government.

Urban Green Spaces Take Centre Stage

Speaking at the event, Bhupender Yadav highlighted the environmental challenges facing the world today, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. He said India has made significant progress in environmental protection through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, expansion of Ramsar wetland sites, and achievements under its climate commitments.

The Minister stressed that environmental protection cannot be achieved through government action alone. He said the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign has encouraged people to connect emotionally with nature by planting trees in honour of their mothers. He urged citizens to care for and protect saplings after planting them so they can contribute to future generations.

The newly inaugurated Namo Oxygen Parks are designed to function as urban green lungs. These spaces are expected to improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide recreational areas for residents in different parts of Delhi.

Delhi Targets 15 Lakh New Trees

Bhupender Yadav also outlined several measures being undertaken to tackle pollution in the capital. Efforts include mechanised road cleaning, monitoring industrial emissions through advanced systems, deployment of air pollution control devices, and a stronger push towards electric mobility.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said increasing green cover remains one of the most effective ways to improve Delhi's environment. She announced that the Delhi Government has set a target of planting 15 lakh trees during the current year. She emphasized that public participation is essential for the success of plantation drives. According to her, environmental campaigns achieve lasting results only when citizens take responsibility for protecting and nurturing planted trees.

Key Environmental Plans Released

The event also saw the release of three important environmental publications prepared by the Delhi Government. These included a ten-year Working Plan Document for environmental governance in Delhi, a long-term Management Plan for the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Delhi Bird Atlas, which documents the city's bird diversity through contributions from citizen scientists and volunteers.

The Minister said these documents would strengthen scientific planning and improve management of Delhi's forests, wetlands, biodiversity, and urban ecosystems. As part of the celebrations, dignitaries planted saplings 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 environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. The launch of the oxygen parks and the new plantation target signal Delhi's growing focus on creating greener urban spaces while involving citizens directly in environmental protection.