Latest news with #Cassiafistula
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister Ashish Sood to join special tree plantation drive in Janakpuri tomorrow
New Delhi: Delhi Home and Power Minister Ashish Sood will on Tuesday boost the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign - inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - by planting a sapling in the Janakpuri area, said an official. As part of the ongoing Van Mahotsav of the Delhi government, the Minister will plant a sapling at Municipal Corporation of Delhi park in A-2 Block Ram Vatika in Janakpuri, said the official on Monday. Sood's green initiative follows Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena's participation in the New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) special tree plantation drive on Sardar Patel Marg in the national capital under the nationwide initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' on Sunday. NDMC Vice-Chairman and BJP leader Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the L-G planted an Amaltas (Cassia fistula) sapling, symbolising hope and resilience. NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and BJP Lok Sabha MP from New Delhi, Bansuri Swaraj, jointly planted a Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa) sapling. Chahal planted a Gulmohar (Delonix regia) tree, reinforcing NDMC's commitment to greening the Capital. On the occasion, Chahal elaborated on NDMC's special 'Gap Filling Campaign' -- a strategic effort launched from July 1 to ensure continuous green cover along 80 major roads, intersections, and roundabouts. Unlike previous years, where only a few stretches were covered, this year's drive scales up significantly, aiming to eliminate barren or patchy areas with lush vegetation. BJP leader Chahal said that this focused initiative, meticulously monitored by NDMC's Horticulture Department, will not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to reducing urban air pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, thereby improving air quality and public health. He shared that under the direction of the L-G, the Delhi government has undertaken a parallel large-scale greening project along Sardar Patel Marg, with the plantation of more than 12,000 flowering trees and shrubs. This includes iconic species like Amaltas, Queen's Crepe Myrtle, Rosy Trumpet Tree, and Bougainvillaea.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: 7,000 bamboo plants, rooftop gardening in 2025 civic greening plan
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have launched their annual greening drive in which they will plant more than 7,000 bamboo plants and 3.9 million shrubs across the city. NDMC's drive this year also focuses on promoting rooftop gardening and adding more than 4,000 hanging flower baskets across Lutyens Delhi, officials said. LG VK Saxena and chief minister Rekha Gupta at a bamboo plantation drive at Okhla landfill site on June 6. (PTI) MCD standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma on Sunday said that a target of planting 703,298 saplings has been set for the year, which includes 300,000 trees, 400,000 shrubs, and 3,298 bamboo plants. 'Plantation has momentum during the monsoon season and will continue in a phased manner throughout the year,' she added. Sharma said that 66,242 saplings have already been planted across the 12 zones of Delhi. These include 21,493 trees, 41,918 shrubs, and 2,831 bamboo plants. NDMC on Sunday held a special tree plantation at Sardar Patel Marg under the nationwide initiative Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign under which lieutenant governor VK Saxena planted an amaltas (Cassia fistula) sapling . The civic body has set plantation targets of adding 3,000 trees, 3.5 million shrubs, and 3,946 bamboo plants. 'Bamboo plantations are a new addition to the greening drive and it will be used to fill the area between the plot boundaries and footpath,' she added. The bamboo plants will be planted at four selected locations—Akbar Road, Subramanium Bharti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, and Mandir Marg. Two bamboo species, Golden and Budha Valley, will be planted along boundary walls to act as natural green screens and enhance biodiversity. NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said that the council will install 4,000 flower hanging baskets made from biodegradable coconut shells. Chahal said that this year's greening plan will promote rooftop gardening in the New Delhi area. 'A campaign will soon be launched to promote rooftop and organic gardening, encouraging citizens to contribute to New Delhi's green footprint from their homes. Our project to sell tulips was hugely successful and we will rope in experts to promote rooftop gardening by providing resources and training,' he said. The council also set up a 'Plant Protection Cell' at Lodhi Garden which is equipped to conduct tree surgeries, termite and pest control, and soil treatments, supported by a dedicated team of one supervisor and four staff members.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NDMC to plant 4,000 bamboo saplings in annual green drive
New Delhi: In a first, 4,000 bamboo saplings will be planted on prominent city roads and around footpaths as part of New Delhi Municipal Council's yearly plantation drive. Two varieties of bamboo — golden and Buddha Belly — will be planted on the sides of Akbar Road, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Mandir Marg and other key stretches. These will act as natural green screens and enhance biodiversity, the council stated. NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal on Monday said that the drive will emphasise end-to-end covering of brown or open areas on central verges and both sides of roads by increasing the number of shrubs being planted from 13 lakh last year to 35 lakh this time. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "An intensive 'gap filling' campaign is being carried out across 80 major junctions and roundabouts using shrubs like bougainvillea, murraya, justicia, hemelia, karonda, Calliandra and other patterned varieties. The campaign started on July 1 and is being closely monitored. It will significantly contribute to the reduction of pollutants like PM10, PM2.5 and PM1," said Chahal. To ensure survival of these plants, a detailed irrigation strategy has been formed for permanent and smart watering systems through drip irrigation. "Plantation is not sufficient; we must also ensure proper care, including regular irrigation. We aim to lay the pipelines to the green spaces so that treated water can be supplied easily to every corner without waiting for tankers and there is no wastage," said the NDMC vice-chairman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo NDMC will construct nine new decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Bapu Dham, Nehru Park, Akbar Road, AIIMS and other locations to augment the treated water supply. The total plantation target for this year includes 35 lakh shrubs, 2,500 trees and 3,946 bamboo saplings. So far, plantation has been undertaken at 89 locations across six horticulture divisions. These include Shankar Road, Hailey Road, Barakhamba Road, Ferozeshah Road, Janpath, Mahadev Road, Sansad Marg, KG Marg, Peshwa Road, Tansen Marg, Udyan Marg, Bangla Sahib Road, RK Ashram Marg, Tilak Marg, Maulana Azad Road, Akbar Road and Panchsheel Marg, among others. The tree species selected include native and environment-friendly varieties such as Arjuna, peepal, champa, jamun, imli, neem, Cassia fistula (Amaltas), Ashoka, Khirni, silver oak, Harsingar and Gulmohar. NDMC has planted 204 trees and 18,280 shrubs under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. "Launched by PM Modi last year, it forms an integral part of the broader plantation campaign. We expect enthusiastic participation from Union ministers, foreign embassies, RWAs, bar associations, hospitals and private institutions in the plantation campaign," said Chahal. On July 27, on the occasion of Hariyali Teej, 240 trees and 36,200 shrubs will be planted on Tolstoy Road, Mandir Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Jantar Mantar and Lodhi Road. Apart from planting saplings, NDMC has also planned other initiatives under the annual drive. These include introducing rooftop gardens at govt buildings and planting 4,000 flowering baskets on poles at central verges and roadsides. "For the good health of all trees on avenue roads, a tree ambulance has been made fully functional. A plant protection cell with sufficient staff at Lodhi Garden is equipped to conduct tree surgeries, termite and pest control, and soil treatments, supported by a dedicated team of one supervisor and four staff members," said Chahal. NDMC currently maintains 1,150 acres of green area, including six major parks — Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Central Park and Sanjay Jheel — along with 122 colony parks, six nurseries, 981 CPWD-maintained parks, 52 school greens, 14 market gardens, 51 roundabouts, and nearly 15,000 avenue trees. "We are the greenest urban local body in the country. Despite covering only 3% of Delhi's total geographical area, we contribute nearly 55% of the city's green cover, setting a remarkable benchmark in urban ecological planning and environmental sustainability," said Chahal.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
All arrangements in place for ‘Vanamahotsavam' in Andhra's Amaravati
GUNTUR: Amaravati is poised for a grand greening initiative as the State government prepares to mark World Environment Day on June 5 with an extensive plantation drive, 'Vanamahotsavam'. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will inaugurate the effort at Anantavaram Eco Park, where the Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC) is transforming 20 acres into a vibrant green space. As part of the Vanamahotsavam, air-purifying and ornamental trees—including Cassia fistula, Tecoma argentina, Bignonia, Plumeria, Neem, and Ravi—will be planted to enhance biodiversity. In collaboration with the AP Forest Department and the Central Pollution Control Board, the event will see 1,000 saplings planted within the park, while across the State, an ambitious one crore seedlings will take root on June 5 alone. Over the entire monsoon season, a staggering 5.58 crore trees will be planted, covering native species and mangroves to support ecosystems and combat climate change. Nearly 1,500 attendees are expected at Anantavaram Park, where preparations are in full swing. On Wednesday, Guntur district in-charge Collector A Bhargav Tej, SP Satish Kumar, APMIDC Chairman Degala Prabhakar, and Guntur RDO Srinivasarao inspected the venue and outlined key instructions for sanitation, vehicle parking, barricading, and uninterrupted power supply. To ensure security and smooth logistics, Guntur district police have made elaborate arrangements. SP Satish Kumar confirmed a strong police presence at the venue, with stringent measures in place to safeguard attendees and ensure the seamless movement of dignitaries.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
Gold standard: Delhi's streets awash in amaltas glory
New Delhi: Like the association of fairy pink cherry blossoms with Japanese cities or the blood red rhododendron with Himalayan hamlets, the luminous yellow of the amaltas could be Delhi's own claim to arboreal identity. As the temperature rises after the chilly winter, flowering trees like the palash, jacaranda, spathodea and semal struggle with the heat. The amaltas comes into its own then, being tolerant to heat and dryness. Clusters of yellow blossoms cascade from the branches, giving it the common name of ' golden shower tree '.The amaltas ( Cassia fistula ) embellishes Delhi's canopy, roadsides and gardens with a spectacularly lively display. May and June are peak blooming season, and the urban landscape gets an annual visual respite. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far "They start blooming at this time and last for at least a month and a half, till the onset of monsoon, depending on shade or sun exposure," said horticulturist Ajay Kaushik, who manages the city's Garden of Five yellow has the power to awe, but, Kaushik believes Delhi should also take to the pink amaltas. "This variety blooms for a longer time, sometimes till the onset of winter with simultaneous fruiting," he said. While the yellow one's scientific name is Cassia fistula, those that bloom in shades of pink are Cassia javanica and its sub-species, Cassia nodosa. Kaushik said these were only growing at present in private gardens or farms in the city, but the Garden of Five Senses was planning to plant at least 10 species grows from the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar, but it has since also been introduced in other places, including China, Borneo, Egypt, Ecuador, Yemen, Australia, mainly for its showy is more to amaltas than just its pleasing yellow colour. Field biologist Faiyaz Khudsar, who is in charge of DDA's biodiversity parks, said it was a useful tree aside from being beautiful. "It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties, can relieve burning sensation and constipation, and is also anti-ageing," said Khudsar. "Its leaves are broad, so the species helps in controlling particulate pollutants too."The tubular legume fruit, which looks like a small cane, has many medicinal properties, earning it another name, Sarvarogaprashamani, meaning one that cures diseases and shields the body. The legume which fruits after the flowering season ends is a weak laxative and is still preferred as a safer medication, especially for women from whom strong laxatives are not amaltas, however, is not easily propagated. There are only a few spots in the city such as the Central Ridge, where the species appears to multiply naturally, mainly due to the presence of wildlife like foxes, porcupines and civet cats there. For, the tree has a peculiar association with animals, particularly jackals. As naturalist Pradip Krishen, author of Trees of Delhi, explained, the amaltas depends on such wildlife for propagation."Botanist RS Troup, during his time at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun in the 1920s, noticed that the amaltas' strong fruit did not burst on its own to allow the seeds to germinate. He carried out an experiment, leaving one set of legumes under a net cover and another set in the open," narrated Krishen. "Troup discovered that jackals and foxes liked the pulp of the fruit and cracked open the hard shell of the legumes. So while the protected fruits never germinated, those in the open were able to have the seeds freed from the casing by the animals, which also distributed the softs seeds when they defecated."Khudsar observed, "The slow spread or poor regeneration of the species in Delhi's forests show that the jackal population of the capital is shrinking." But as Krishen pointed out, "While the amaltas can look after itself in wild areas, in the city, human beings, because of the tree's sheer beauty, are still helping it propagate."
