Union ministers, Members of Parliament and political leaders across several states participated in tree plantation drives on World Environment Day, lending support to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 to promote environmental conservation.
Various plantation programmes were organised across the country, with leaders urging citizens to plant and nurture trees to contribute to a greener and healthier environment.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal planted a sapling in the Tirumala Hills after offering prayers at the Tirupati Balaji temple. He appealed to people to plant and care for trees, saying such efforts would inspire others to help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient India for future generations.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated 18 Namo Oxygen Parks in Delhi and launched a series of environment-related initiatives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
“The campaign has transformed tree plantation into a people’s movement rooted in gratitude, responsibility and environmental consciousness. I urge all citizens not only to plant trees but also to nurture and protect them for future generations,” Yadav said in a post on X.
BJP MP Virendra Sachdeva participated in a plantation drive in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar area and called on citizens to plant more trees, reduce paper consumption and avoid single-use plastic to help protect the environment.
In Gujarat, Minister of State Rivaba Jadeja took part in a plantation programme organised jointly by the district administration and the forest department near Samarpan Circle. She urged people to support the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
In Maharashtra, State Minister Girish Mahajan and Nashik Mayor Himagouri Adke joined a cleanliness drive along the banks of the Nandini River. According to organisers, the campaign saw participation from an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 volunteers and activists.
Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Danish Azad Ansari appealed to people to mark World Environment Day by participating in the plantation campaign.
“On this occasion of World Environment Day, we should all plant a tree in the name of our mother,” he said in a video message.
In West Bengal, a tree plantation programme under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative was launched at the Ramakrishna Mission in Asansol. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul planted a sapling at the premises and urged people to join efforts aimed at creating a cleaner and greener environment.
In Bihar, the BJP’s state unit launched a special environmental conservation campaign involving party workers and volunteers across the state.
BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi said party workers would plant trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to help increase forest cover and promote environmental protection in Bihar.
Prime Minister Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative on World Environment Day in 2024, encouraging citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers while contributing to environmental sustainability.
(With inputs from IANS)
