New Delhi: Delhi govt has achieved its target of planting 70 lakh saplings under Mission Green Delhi, and is now ensuring that the newly planted saplings grow into mature trees. A total of 71,12,429 saplings were planted against the target of 70,73,295.The Mega Plantation Drive-2026 was launched on July 7 during Van Mahotsav. The campaign was subsequently carried out across the city with the participation of govt departments, green agencies, local bodies, schools, colleges, RWAs, NGOs and citizens.Of the total 22 govt agencies involved in the plantation drive, the forest department planted the highest number of saplings at 32,03,558 against a target of 27,29,200. Meanwhile, DDA, MCD and PWD planted less than their targets. DDA planted 20.11 lakh against a target of 23.48 lakh, MCD planted 3.43 lakh against 5 lakh, and PWD planted 2.38 lakh against 3.05 lakh plants.A significant portion of the plantation was undertaken in Delhi’s Ridge areas. Delhi govt said that 24,94,505 saplings were planted across the Central Ridge, DDA Ridge and South Ridge. Govt said strengthening these natural green areas would support ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the achievement was not merely about meeting a numerical target but about expanding Delhi’s green cover, strengthening its ecosystem and contributing to cleaner air.Gupta said the next phase would focus on conservation and nurturing, stressing that protecting the saplings would be as important as planting them. Govt has appealed to citizens who planted or received saplings to regularly care for them and protect them until they mature.