Gujarat's Ambitious Green Leap: 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0' Tree Plantation Drive

On World Environment Day, Gujarat's Chief Minister launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0' statewide tree plantation campaign, aiming for 551.91 lakh saplings by 2026-27. This initiative underlines the state’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE.

Commemorating World Environment Day on June 5, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has unveiled a statewide tree plantation initiative titled 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0' in Gandhinagar, as stated in an official release. This campaign furthers the efforts initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 to encourage tree planting for a more sustainable and greener planet.

The Gujarat Chief Minister launched 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0' as part of celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Prime Minister's leadership as per the Gujarat CMO press release. Present with State Forest and Environment Minister Pravin Mali, the Chief Minister began the plantation of 5,000 saplings over 0.5 hectares near the Lok Bhavan Staff Quarters on 'J' Road in Gandhinagar.

During the event, the Chief Minister exhorted citizens to move beyond the symbolic celebrations of Environment Day and incorporate environmental consciousness in their daily routines. He encouraged adoption of the Prime Minister's Mission LiFE, advocating for water conservation and reduced use of traditional fuels, alongside widespread participation in tree plantation drives statewide. The state aims for an expansive eco-friendly development strategy dubbed 'Back to Basics.'

The press statement disclosed that under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0' and the Van Mahotsav, the Gujarat State Government plans to plant 551.91 lakh saplings over 74,453.90 hectares during 2026-27. For the upcoming monsoon, arrangements are made to distribute 11.80 crore saplings via 423 state nurseries. The forest cover target has significantly expanded, aiming to develop plantations over 440 hectares at roughly 300 sites. Plans include utilizing 6,652 hectares for the Green Wall of Aravalli Project and establishing mangrove plantations across 20,100 hectares.

The launch event was graced by Gandhinagar Mayor Mira Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak, Gandhinagar City BJP President Ashish Dave, Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Department Vinod Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh, and Gandhinagar District Collector Ravindra Khatale, among other top forest officials, as per the release. (ANI)