coinciding with World Environment Day, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. This initiative celebrates the nurturing role of Mother Earth and human mothers by encouraging individuals to plant a tree as a symbol of love, respect, and honor for their mothers. The campaign also promotes a pledge to protect trees and the environment.
Key Objectives
The campaign seeks to:
- Halt and reverse land degradation.
- Build resilience against drought.
- Prevent desertification.
- Enhance the country’s green cover through voluntary tree planting.
Remarkable Achievements
As of December 16, 2024, the campaign has reported the plantation of 102.82 crore seedlings on the MeriLife portal. This achievement has been made possible with the involvement of:
- Government agencies.
- Village-level institutions.
- Public representatives.
- Educational institutions, youth, students, and other stakeholders.
Sustainable Approach
Beyond tree planting, the campaign emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing the planted trees. The focus on indigenous species ensures:
- Improved tree survival rates.
- Development of resilient ecosystems in plantation areas.
Public participation, volunteerism, and internships are encouraged for the maintenance of these plantations, fostering a collective sense of responsibility.
This initiative, as reported by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, was shared during a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The campaign underscores the vital connection between ecological conservation and societal values, inspiring citizens to actively contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.