New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, has proposed integrating medicinal plant cultivation into Delhi’s ambitious urban afforestation programme, suggesting that dedicated Medicinal Forests (Aushadhi Vans) be developed as part of the city’s expanding green infrastructure.
In a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the minister praised the Delhi Government’s large-scale environmental initiative, calling it a significant step towards ecological restoration, cleaner air and sustainable urban development.
The Delhi Government has announced an ambitious plan to plant more than 70 lakh indigenous and climate-resilient trees, develop over 70 water bodies, and notify nearly 6,000 hectares of land as forest area. The initiative also includes restoring the Delhi Ridge by replacing invasive species such as Vilayati Kikar and Babool with native trees including Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Arjun and Jamun.
According to Jadhav, these measures will strengthen Delhi’s ecological security and help transform the Ridge into the “lungs of Delhi,” significantly improving the capital’s urban environment.
Integrating AYUSH with Urban Forestry
Emphasising the link between environmental conservation and public health, the Union Minister recommended that at least 20 per cent of plantations in the proposed eight urban forests should consist of medicinal plant species. Alternatively, he suggested developing a minimum of two dedicated Medicinal Forests (Aushadhi Vans).
He noted that such forests would:
- Ensure sustainable availability of medicinal raw materials for the AYUSH sector.
- Promote biodiversity conservation.
- Support ecological restoration.
- Encourage eco-tourism and environmental awareness.
- Strengthen India’s traditional healthcare ecosystem.
Suggested Medicinal Plant Species
The Ministry of AYUSH has also shared an indicative list of medicinal plants suitable for Delhi’s agro-climatic conditions. These include:
- Ashwagandha
- Giloy
- Tulsi
- Brahmi
- Shatavari
- Amla
- Arjun
- Ashok
- Neem
- Bel
- Jamun
These species are widely recognised in traditional Indian medicine for their therapeutic value while also contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience.
Towards Sustainable Urban Healthcare
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to promoting medicinal plants and sustainable healthcare ecosystems, Shri Jadhav expressed confidence that Delhi’s afforestation programme could become a national model for integrating urban forestry with India’s traditional systems of medicine.
If implemented, the proposal would not only expand Delhi’s green cover but also create living repositories of medicinal biodiversity, supporting both environmental conservation and the growing AYUSH sector.
