NDMC launches Tulip blitz: Kuljeet Singh Chahal initiates Tulip bulb planting at children's park

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): With the aim of making New Delhi more beautiful, clean, and green, Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), today planted the first tulip bulb at Children's Park, New Delhi, marking the beginning of NDMC's annual tulip planting campaign.

Shri Chahal informed that NDMC had launched this campaign in 2017 with a pilot project of 17,000 tulip bulbs at Children's Park.

Shri Chahal said that tulips are renowned for their beauty and vibrant colors. They enhance the city's aesthetics while also helping to reduce dust and improve the environment. When the tulips bloom, citizens and tourists will have a delightful experience.

He further informed that this year, NDMC will adorn prominent religious and public places in New Delhi with tulip flowers. Where space is available, the bulbs are being planted directly in the ground, while in areas where this is not possible, tulip plants are being planted in pots. He added that the tulip planting has also been linked to national initiatives such as "One Tree for Mother" and "Developed India." From February onwards, the entire New Delhi will be adorned with a colorful display as the tulips bloom.

Shri Chahal explained that tulips typically form buds about a week before blooming and remain in bloom for approximately 25 days, depending on the weather. He said that growing tulip bulbs presents several challenges, as they require a period of cold treatment at around 5 degrees Celsius for at least 15 days for germination. Considering these challenges, NDMC has procured pre-treated and prepared bulbs that can thrive easily even in changing weather conditions.

He mentioned that previously these flowers were only seen at Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), but now NDMC has planted them in public areas as well. NDMC is the first municipal body in India to plant these precious flowers in the public domain. The NDMC serves as a model for other municipalities, and its green spaces not only provide a tranquil environment but also help control heat, dust, and air pollution to some extent.

Mr. Chahal stated that a total of 5,17,500 tulip bulbs have been procured this year, of which 3,25,000 are for the NDMC and 1,92,500 for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Approximately 2.25 lakh bulbs from the NDMC's share will be planted at various locations, including Shanti Path, Central Park (Connaught Place), Convention Centre, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sardar Patel Marg, Mandi House, Windsor Place, Sher Shah Suri Marg, and the roundabout near the Vice President's residence. Around 1 lakh bulbs will be planted in pots and made available for sale to the general public.

In addition, the NDMC will also plant 15,000 bulbs preserved from last year at the special conservation center in the Tulip House at Lodhi Garden. Furthermore, 20,700 bulbs received from the CSIR–IHBT Research Centre, Palampur, will also be planted.

Mr. Chahal commended the entire team of the Horticulture Department, stating that their continuous efforts are making the New Delhi area clean, green, and livable. He informed that the NDMC currently maintains approximately 1,450 acres of green area, which includes 7 major parks such as Central Park, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Nehru Park, and Sanjay Lake, 2 rose gardens on Shanti Path, 122 colony parks, 6 nurseries, 981 CPWD parks, 51 roundabouts, 14 market gardens, and approximately 15,000 roadside trees.

He added that the NDMC's Horticulture Department is undertaking large-scale planting of tulip bulbs throughout the area. This initiative is a significant step towards realizing the vision of a "Clean, Green, and Beautiful New Delhi."