India has launched large-scale nationwide tree plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign, supported by Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to promote environmental conservation and public participation. These initiatives align with India’s commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070.
During the monsoon season, governments, educational institutions, citizens, and local bodies have participated in extensive afforestation campaigns, with a strong emphasis on planting native tree species to improve biodiversity, reduce air pollution, and mitigate urban heat.
Key Highlights
Focus on Native Species
The campaigns prioritize indigenous tree species because they:
- Improve biodiversity.
- Lower local temperatures naturally.
- Reduce air pollution.
- Adapt better to local climatic conditions.
Major native species planted include: Jamun (Jambu), Banyan, Arjun, Neem, Peepal
State-wise Highlights
Delhi
- Campaign launched by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- Target: 70 lakh saplings.
- Major objective: Revival of the Delhi Ridge.
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) planting native species such as: Neem, Peepal, Jamun
- Environmental awareness initiatives:
- Vriksh Mitra Programme
- Paryavaran Sanrakshan Sankalp
Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinated across: 75 districts, 18 divisions, 27 government departments
- Achievements:
- Over 40 crore saplings planted during the year.
- State Forest Department alone planted 15.50 crore saplings, the largest share.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Vriksharopan Maha Yagya from Gorakhpur.
- Sacred Triveni plantation undertaken by planting: Peepal, Neem, Banyan
- Plantation carried out near the Link Expressway.
Gujarat
- Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency recorded more than 1.25 crore trees planted in a single day, creating a record.
- Long-term objective increase green cover to 20% by 2029.
- Indigenous species planted include: Peepal, Jambu, Banyan, Arjun
- Expected environmental benefit: Reduce city temperature by approximately 5%.
Madhya Pradesh
- Indore launched a plantation campaign targeting: 21 lakh saplings.
- Additional initiative: Establishment of 51,000 rainwater harvesting units.
- Objective: Transform environmental protection and water conservation into a mass public movement.