Vibha SharmaNew Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will adopt the multi-tier Aranya planting model during the monsoon for large-scale afforestation to enhance the city’s green cover.Under the model, planting is done in three ecological layers—canopy trees, understory vegetation, and shrubs. This will create dense, self-sustaining urban forests that closely resemble natural ecosystems.The approach is designed to improve biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience, and provide long-term environmental benefits, officials said.For the approaching monsoon, DDA has set an ambitious target of planting 23 lakh native saplings across nearly 1,000 acres — equivalent to nearly 4 square kilometres — across several locations. Preparations are already under way. DDA has procuried native plant species and made irrigation arrangements.The drive will start in Dwarka.The authority has recently issued a notice inviting tenders for providing and watering plants through water tankers at various sites once saplings are planted.The areas include the master plan green area in Sector-11, Dwarka (in front of LBS Institute), behind the Sports Complex, park and office complex, and the Central Nursery in Sector-5.The project, which will cost ₹60 lakh, also includes upgradation of brown patches and development of parks near the Palam drain.“Tankers of a 5,000-litre capacity each will be used by the contractor. Treated STP water supplied through tankers will be sourced from DJB STPs for irrigation of DDA’s greens,” officials said.This year’s drive will cover 675 DDA parks, four ridge areas — including south-central, Nanakpura ridge, central ridge, and northern ridge — six biodiversity parks, green corridors, and other ecologically sensitive zones.“The initiative… is expected to bring nearly 2.9% of Delhi’s total geographical area under a focused programme of urban afforestation and ecological restoration,” officials said.The planting is scheduled to start in the first week of July and continue up to mid-Sept.Officials said preparatory work is already under way and includes site identification and demarcation, soil preparation and pit digging, development of irrigation arrangements, species selection based on ecological suitability, strengthening of nursery stock, and planting logistics.
