---

The Centre has welcomed the Delhi government's plan to increase the city's green cover significantly, with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav calling the initiative an important milestone in strengthening the capital's ecological resilience.

In a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on July 10, Jadhav praised the government's proposal to plant more than 70 lakh indigenous, climate-resilient trees, create over 70 water bodies, and notify nearly 6,000 hectares as forest land. He said the measures would not only reinforce Delhi's environmental security but also contribute to cleaner air and improved urban living.

The minister also endorsed the plan to replace invasive species such as Vilayati Kikar and Babool with native trees such as Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun and Jamun. According to him, restoring the Ridge with indigenous vegetation could strengthen its role as the city's ecological buffer and help transform it into the "lungs of Delhi."

While supporting the afforestation programme, Jadhav proposed that the project incorporate a stronger medicinal plant component. He suggested reserving at least 20 per cent of the plantation across the eight proposed forests for medicinal species, designating at least two of the forests exclusively as Medicinal Forests, or Aushadhi Vans.

He said such forests could provide a sustainable supply of raw materials for the Ayush sector while supporting biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and eco-tourism across the National Capital Region.

To support the proposal, the minister shared an indicative list of medicinal plants suited to Delhi's agro-climatic conditions. The recommendations include Ashwagandha, Giloy, Tulsi, Brahmi, Shatavari, Amla, Arjun, Ashok, Neem, Bel and Jamun.

Reaffirming the Ministry of Ayush's commitment to promoting medicinal plants and sustainable healthcare systems, Jadhav expressed hope that Delhi's afforestation drive would emerge as a model for combining urban environmental restoration with India's traditional systems of medicine.

---

Related Articles

An international conference for AYUSH lovers

Ayush Minister, Naik gives away Ayush Awards to health sector entities

Another Meet for Ayurveda Experts

3rd edition of Global Ayurveda Festival

Kerala Ayurveda Promotion Club

Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation to start unani, Ayurveda clinics in hospitals