PM Modi Spearheads Tree Plantation Drive for World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a significant tree plantation drive, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," by planting a sapling at Buddha Jayanti Park. This nationwide campaign aims to plant millions of trees, reinforcing India's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable living. Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative on X, encouraging citizens to participate actively in enhancing the planet's health by planting trees in their mothers' names.

The Prime Minister highlighted the positive strides India has made over the past decade in expanding its forest cover, attributing this success to collective efforts and the proactive role of local communities. He underscored the importance of such initiatives in achieving sustainable development goals. The campaign also received support from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who were present at the launch event.

The Environment Ministry outlined the broader objectives of the World Environment Day 2024 theme, which focuses on halting and reversing land degradation, building drought resilience, and preventing desertification. The ministry's statement detailed plans for an extensive tree plantation drive, aiming to plant 80 crore trees by September and 140 crore by March 2025. This ambitious target is set to be met through the collective efforts of individuals, entities, community-based organizations, and government departments at both central and state levels.

As part of the #Plant4Mother campaign, public spaces will be identified by central and state government departments along with local bodies to facilitate tree planting activities. This initiative not only contributes to environmental preservation but also offers a unique way for individuals to honor their mothers by naming trees after them. Citizens are encouraged to share their contributions on social media using #Plant4Mother, creating a widespread movement towards greener practices.

This comprehensive approach exemplifies a whole-of-government and whole-of-society strategy towards combating environmental challenges. By integrating community participation with governmental support, India aims to set a precedent for sustainable development and environmental stewardship on a global scale.