CM Yogi Launches PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign; Uttar Pradesh Targets 5 Crore Saplings on World Environment Day
New Delhi : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mega plantation campaign in Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of World Environment Day, with a target of planting 5 crore (50 million) saplings in a single day. The state Forest Department has prepared more than 500 crore (5 billion) saplings for the campaign.
Launching the campaign at the Kukrail Range of the Awadh Forest Division, the Chief Minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a goal for the people of the country, emphasizing that every citizen has a responsibility towards their mother and motherland. That is why he dedicated the theme of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to mothers. Since a mother is the dearest person in everyone’s life, every individual should fulfil this responsibility by planting a tree in her name and help carry this campaign forward.”
The Chief Minister noted that over 242 crore (2.42 billion) saplings have been planted across Uttar Pradesh in the past nine years. To continue this effort, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is being launched on World Environment Day, with citizens urged to develop forests in both urban and rural areas.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, “The world today is facing serious environmental concerns. Everyone understands that environmental challenges are not limited to nature alone but affect all living beings. Changes in weather patterns have resulted in excessive rainfall, droughts, and other adverse effects that are visible to all. This crisis is largely human-made, and therefore, it is humanity’s responsibility to find solutions.”
He added, “If every citizen sincerely fulfils their duties and responsibilities towards Mother Earth, environmental conservation can be ensured, and the planet can be protected. The most important step in this direction is to avoid activities that damage the environment and actively participate in efforts to protect it.”
The Chief Minister called for a plastic-free environment by completely eliminating single-use plastic and appealed to citizens not to discard plastic waste in public places, water bodies, gardens, forests, or parks. Emphasising water conservation, he urged people to preserve every drop of rainwater, avoid harming trees, and plant at least one tree on every important occasion. He made a special appeal to school students to champion a plastic-free environment, encourage their families to do the same, and join the mega plantation drive.
