DDA launches digital system to monitor plantation drive
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a first-of-its-kind digital monitoring system to track its ongoing plantation drive in real time, with geo-tagged data, photographs and a public dashboard aimed at ensuring the survival of saplings.
The initiative, launched following directions from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, will enable authorities to monitor plantation progress, identify delays and maintenance gaps, and record plant mortality for timely corrective action.
“For the first time, a plantation programme of this scale will be monitored through a dedicated mobile application integrated with a Plantation Monitoring Dashboard. Field officers, particularly Section Officers (Horticulture), will use the app to upload site-specific details, photographs and geo-tagged data,” the DDA said in a statement.
The information uploaded through the app will sync with a central dashboard, enabling real-time monitoring across divisions while flagging delays, maintenance gaps and plant mortality for prompt intervention.
“The initiative aims to ensure survival and sustained growth of saplings, rather than just meeting numerical targets,” the statement said.
A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on survival and sustained growth, rather than merely achieving numerical targets. Field-level responsibility has been clearly assigned for watering, maintenance, protection, and monitoring. Plant mortality will be recorded through the system and replacement plantation will be undertaken wherever required.
According to officials, plant mortality will be recorded in the system and replacement plantation will be carried out wherever required.
To enhance transparency, the DDA will also engage an independent third-party agency to verify and assess plantation survival. Its findings will help identify areas requiring additional maintenance or corrective measures.
Officials said more than 50 per cent of the target to plant 23 lakh indigenous saplings has already been achieved in less than a month.
The Plantation Monitoring Dashboard, accessible on the DDA’s official website, will provide park-wise information, including details of species planted, latitude and longitude coordinates, and field updates for public viewing.
“The portal also showcases photographs from joint drives in which 13,750 people participated, including members from 118 Resident Welfare Associations, 18 religious organisations, 31 government, paramilitary, police and NGO bodies, 24 schools, and 11 institutes,” the DDA said.
The authority said that by combining technology, field accountability, public disclosure, community participation and independent assessment, the plantation drive would become trackable, measurable and outcome-oriented.
