Nearly 50 lakh saplings have been planted so far by the Forest Department, Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and other agencies against a target of 70 lakh under the annual plantation drive, according to the Delhi government. 

The figure was announced on Thursday (August 20) during the mass plantation programme organised at the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) parade ground in the Central Ridge under the Delhi Mega Plantation Drive 2026 and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The programme was led by Delhi’s Bharatiya Janata Party president Harsh Malhotra and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. 

“What we have started is not just a plantation campaign; it is a long-term movement for the environment. People are coming forward voluntarily, and we are connecting them with the responsibility of planting, protecting and nurturing trees,” Mr. Sirsa said. 

Around 1.78 lakh people have registered for plantation on the campaign portal, with about 1.54 lakh participating. According to the government, the saplings are being geo-tagged and monitored, while a QR-code-based system is being developed to enable citizens to track the growth of the trees they have planted. 

“Our resolve is not merely to plant trees, but to bring the people of Delhi together in this mission. We want every tree to be planted with a sense of responsibility and affection, just as we care for our mothers,” Mr. Sirsa said. 

The Delhi Police has mapped around 2,500 children found begging at public places and major road intersections to support the Delhi government’s soon to be launched ‘Child Beggar-Free Delhi’ campaign, which aims to rescue and rehabilitate them. The campaign will be implemented across all 13 districts.

The survey was conducted by the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) from July 1 to July 31 as part of ‘Child Safety Month’.

Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Commissioner of Police (SPUWAC) Neha Yadav said the survey focused exclusively on children who were completely shelterless, including those living on the streets or under flyovers without even a jhuggi to stay in. Yadav said children’s latitude and longitude coordinates, and photographs will be shared with the Department of Women and Child Development and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) to help initiate the ‘Child Beggar-Free Delhi’ campaign. The survey found that most of the children were located in West Delhi.

DCP Yadav said the proposed campaign will address both the homelessness of children and their vulnerability to crimes like snatching and working as couriers for drug peddlers. “If these children are taken in another direction and provided shelter and education, these crimes can also be controlled to an extent,” she said.

On Saturday (August 8), Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government, in coordination with the DCPCR and non-governmental organisations, would counsel families, understand their difficulties and provide better alternatives for such children rather than forcibly removing them from the streets. The drive will also seek to identify and prosecute organised gangs allegedly forcing children into begging, while ensuring that the children receive support to secure their future, Gupta said.

The Delhi government on Thursday (August 6) directed civic and infrastructure agencies to expedite pending national highway projects and implement permanent measures to address chronic waterlogging and traffic bottlenecks across the Capital. 

At the fifth meeting of the Union Territory-level Coordination Committee chaired by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi government departments and other agencies reviewed the progress of delayed infrastructure projects. 

Departments were directed to remove procedural bottlenecks, expedite pending approvals and complete projects within stipulated timelines. Mr. Singh said each agency had been assigned clear responsibilities and deadlines. 

Recurring waterlogging on NH-24, particularly at the Patparganj and Pandav Nagar underpasses, was discussed. Progress on flooding at Nausena Bhawan, Thal Sena Bhawan, Mahipalpur T-Point and the R&R Hospital underpass was also reviewed. The PWD informed the meeting that desilting of the NH-24 drain had been completed. Officials asked NHAI to raise the road level to address the problem permanently. 

Waterlogging at the Mahipalpur flyover and the Parade Road-Thal Sena Bhawan underpass also came up for review. NHAI consultants were asked to submit detailed technical reports to facilitate permanent engineering interventions, while agencies were directed to jointly address drainage and sewer-related issues. 

“Our government believes in delivering permanent engineering solutions rather than temporary arrangements. Whether it is NH-24, Mahipalpur or any other vulnerable location, our objective is to provide long-term relief through better planning, stronger coordination and time-bound execution,” Mr. Singh said. 

The committee also reviewed progress on the Andheria Mor-NH-48 corridor, utility shifting for the Rangpuri Bypass Tunnel, the Rohtak Road corridor, and related service roads and drainage infrastructure. BSES was directed to complete pending technical formalities on a priority basis, while departments were asked to expedite approvals and utility shifting to avoid delays. 

The Revenue Department was directed to complete pending land demarcation, mutation and other land-related formalities within stipulated timelines. Departments were also asked to coordinate with the Delhi Development Authority to resolve land issues affecting national highway projects and to expedite utility shifting, in-principle approvals and no-objection certificates related to the Delhi Jal Board infrastructure. 

Congestion at Delhi’s border entry points was also reviewed. Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) toll plazas were identified as contributing to traffic delays. NHAI and the MCD were directed to address operational bottlenecks to improve traffic flow. 

Officials further reviewed encroachments, unauthorised parking and traffic management on National Highways, including the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). Delhi Police, NHAI and the MCD were directed to intensify enforcement to improve road safety and ease traffic flow. 

Emergency response along the nearly 30-km-long UER-II corridor was another focus. Agencies were directed to improve ambulance availability, strengthen emergency response systems and enhance highway patrolling. NHAI and other departments were asked to submit action taken reports before the next review meeting. 

Mr. Singh said the government would focus on timely completion of infrastructure projects through closer coordination and regular monitoring. 

The Delhi Government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested the former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in connection with an alleged multi-crore procurement scam involving medicines, surgical items and medical equipment, officials said.

The arrest of Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal on Saturday (June 27, 2026) comes days after the ACB apprehended Dr. Vijay Kumar Ranga in the same case. Dr. Ranga was later remanded to four days’ police custody by a Delhi court.

According to the ACB, the case pertains to alleged large-scale financial irregularities in procurements worth several hundred crores of rupees by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), functioning under the DGHS. The probe was initiated after the Directorate of Vigilance flagged suspicious transactions and possible procedural violations.

Investigators alleged that the procurement of portable X-ray machines, bed sheets and linen, C-arm radiological equipment, anaesthesia workstations, oral rehydration solution (ORS), surgical consumables and medicines were made at highly inflated rates through manipulated tender processes.

The ACB alleged that tailor-made specifications were framed to favour selected suppliers, excluding genuine bidders from the process, resulting in the misuse of public funds running into hundreds of crores.

Based on the complaint, the agency registered a case on June 2 under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and criminal conspiracy sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials said procurement records, tender files and related documents were being scrutinised as part of the investigation.

Dr. Aggarwal was removed from the DGHS post on May 21 and placed under “awaiting posting” before being transferred to the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. She was subsequently suspended at the direction of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to facilitate disciplinary proceedings.

The Delhi Government has also suspended five pharmacists and two CPA officials after an internal inquiry reportedly found serious irregularities in the procurement, storage and management of medicines at various agency stores.

The ACB said further investigation is underway to identify the role of other officials and private suppliers in the alleged scam.

The Delhi government has brought 23 additional services under the Delhi (Right Of Citizen To Time Bound Delivery Of Services) Act, 2011 to ensure quicker delivery of services within fixed deadlines, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated in a release on Monday.

Following the revision, approval of factory plans by the Labour Department will be granted within 15 days while registration under the Shops and Establishments Act will be completed within a day. The Delhi Jal Board will provide sewerage connections within 15 days, among other services, said the CMO.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision will directly benefit the common people as well as businesses associated with trade, hospitality, tourism, construction and services sectors. She said the government’s objective is to ensure that citizens and businesses receive services within a defined time frame, and that important approvals, licences, registrations and no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued by various departments are delivered within stipulated timelines.

Bringing additional services within the ambit of the services delivery Act, she added, will reduce unnecessary delays and minimise the need for visits to government offices.

‘Safeguarding rights’

Ms. Gupta said the government remains committed to making the city more conducive to investment, business, and employment opportunities and that the time-bound service delivery mechanism will not only safeguard citizens’ rights but also strengthen administrative accountability.

With the inclusion of new services, the Forest and Wildlife Department will dispose of applications seeking permission for tree felling under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act within 60 days.

The Public Works Department will grant permissions related to road cutting and associated works within 45 days, and the registration of builders and agents under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act will be completed within 30 days.

“There were about 500 services that were already covered under the Act. Action could be taken against officials concerned for not adhering to the deadlines,” a source at the CMO said.

Set timelines

“Hotel registrations or operational permissions and slaughterhouse licences will also be granted within 60 days. Permission for the installation of mobile towers will be provided within 30 days, while approval for the storage of construction material will be available within a single day,” read the CMO statement.

“The Agriculture Department will complete processes related to pesticide control operation licences, sales registrations and seed licences within 21 days each. Under the Excise Department, bar licences will be issued within 30 days, while brand and label registrations under both the IMFL (Indian-Made Foreign Liquor) and FL (Foreign Liquor) categories will be completed within 42 days,” it added.

Other services

Similarly, registrations of water sports and adventure sports operators, and approvals for operating amusement parks, will be issued within 60 days.

NOCs from local bodies required for obtaining State licences for food businesses will be issued within 60 days.

Applications related to electricity meters will be processed within 60 days. Registration of weighing and measuring instruments used in commercial establishments under Legal Metrology will be completed within 45 days. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will issue authorisations related to the collection, transportation and recycling of battery waste within 15 days.

The Delhi government on Friday announced free travel for candidates of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG) on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on June 21, the day of the re-examination.

Candidates will have to show their valid admit cards to avail themselves of the facility, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. 

CM Rekha Gupta said that following the recent cancellation of the NEET examination, many candidates are having to appear for the test again, and in such a situation, it is natural for candidates and their families to face additional mental, financial and time-related pressure. “Understanding these challenges, the Delhi government stands with the candidates. The government’s effort is to ensure that candidates do not face any transportation-related inconvenience on the day of the examination,” Ms. Gupta said.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the NEET-UG examination on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak. 

“Many candidates are having to appear for the examination again. In such a situation, it is natural for students and their families to face mental, financial and time-related pressure. The government wants to ensure that candidates do not face transport-related difficulties on the day of the examination,” Ms. Gupta stated. 

Kejriwal reacts

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the Delhi government’s decision came after a similar announcement by the Punjab government.

“After the Punjab government, now the Delhi government has also made buses free for NEET students,” he stated in a post on X.

The alleged paper leak is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. 

Sub-registrar offices will be transformed into transparent, technology-enabled, and citizen-centric service centres, modelled on the time-bound service delivery of Passport Seva Kendras, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday.

Ms. Gupta said the aim is to transform the functioning of these offices so that citizens registering property no longer have to deal with “delays, corruption, middlemen or unnecessary hassles”.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), she recently held a meeting with senior officials of the department concerned, during which several private firms also made presentations on how technology-driven systems, trained staff and integrated digital services have enabled some States to deliver faster, more transparent and hassle-free public services. Following this, the government decided to adopt a similar model to improve citizen services and enhance revenue collection, the CMO added.

Ms. Gupta said the facilities planned for these centres include air-conditioned waiting lounges, help desks, digital assistance counters, smart token systems and real-time application tracking.

“Online appointment booking, pre-verification services, live application tracking and smart token management are expected to reduce waiting times and improve transparency,” the CMO said.

‘Advanced security’

“The government also plans to introduce advanced security and verification mechanisms. These will include AI-powered facial recognition for identity verification, background checks and blockchain-backed record security. Modern technologies such as digital record management, geo-fencing and secure data integration will be used to make property records tamper-proof, curb fraud and reduce disputes,” it added.

The Chief Minister said that while private partners may assist in establishing and operating premium model registrar centres, all statutory powers and final decision-making authority will remain exclusively with the government.

The new system is also expected to eliminate the influence of middlemen and touts, while addressing issues such as revenue leakage, incorrect property valuation, difficulties in tracking pending documents and the risk of fraudulent paperwork.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced that the Delhi government would develop 100 parks with dense tree cover and plant 14 lakh saplings this year to expand green cover and tackle air pollution in the Capital.

Ms. Gupta said the Forest Department had sanctioned ₹1 crore for the Mukhmelpur project, while an additional ₹1 crore would be allocated from the local MLA fund. She described the park as a model green space aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.

She made the announcement while laying the foundation stone for an “oxygen park” on a three-acre plot in Mukhmelpur village in Burari.

She added that the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi are jointly working to create more green spaces, modernise existing parks and expand public amenities across the city.

Addressing local infrastructure concerns, Ms. Gupta said the government would provide financial assistance to cover a polluted drain in the area and undertake other development works. She said projects worth ₹20 crore had been approved for the Burari Assembly constituency following consultations with the local MP and representatives.

The approved works include laying sewer lines and drinking water pipelines, while a long-term solution to the area’s water supply problems would also be prioritised.

Ms. Gupta further said the government has already initiated infrastructure projects worth nearly ₹10,000 crore in villages and outer Delhi regions, covering roads, drainage, transport, education and healthcare. Once completed, she said, the projects would significantly improve civic services.

Pollution Monitoring Pact

On the same day, the Delhi government’s Environment Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the AIRAWAT Research Foundation of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur to address air pollution through a scientific approach.

Under the agreement, an integrated air quality monitoring network using low-cost sensors, mobile monitoring laboratories and satellite data will be developed in Delhi, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

“This will enable real-time monitoring of pollution and more accurate analysis of local sources. An artificial intelligence-based Decision Support System will also be developed to identify pollution hotspots, carry out hyperlocal analysis, generate predictive analytics and provide air quality forecasts 48 to 72 hours in advance,” the CMO stated.

The Supreme Court on Monday (May 18, 2026) decided to examine a plea seeking the constitution of a selection committee to make regular appointments of chairperson and members to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) expeditiously.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the Delhi government and the DERC on a petition filed by NGO, Energy Watchdog, represented by advocate Pranav Sachdeva, who argued that a dysfunctional DERC would result in petitions and applications seeking redress in electricity and energy-related issues pile-up in the national capital.

The petition said the government had not made any move to even include a judicial member on the DERC.

“The present composition of DERC is wholly contrary to law as it consists of only two pro tem members; lacks a chairperson; and lacks a person of law as a member, contrary to the mandate of the Supreme Court,” the petition said.

Mr. Sachdeva said the pro tem members were operating on a temporary mechanism devised by the Supreme Court, requiring the immediate appointment of regular chairperson and members on the Commission.

“The status quo also violates the core premise of the Electricity Act, which requires the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to be autonomous and independent from governmental interference. Regular, tenured appointments ensure impartiality and autonomy in discharge of both the adjudicatory and regulatory functions of DERC,” the petition pointed out.

It said the Supreme Court in BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. versus Union of India had noted that the “lack of autonomy were key contributors to widespread regulatory failure under the aegis of DERC”.

The petition said the lack of a judicial member/person of law completely disables DERC from fulfilling its adjudicatory functions and was destructive of the basic structure principles of separation of power and adjudicatory independence.

“This violates the consumers’ right under Article 14 and 21, inasmuch as petitions/applications under Section 142 of the Electricity Act are no longer being heard or listed,” it noted.