The Gujarat Forest Department on 9 July 2025 launched an in-house digital helpline enabling citizens across the state to quickly locate nearby forest nurseries and obtain saplings, as Gujarat intensifies its tree plantation drive under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. The service was developed entirely within the department at no additional cost.

How the Helpline Works

Citizens can dial 8320002000, after which the call is automatically disconnected and an SMS containing a web link is sent to the caller's mobile phone. Alternatively, users can send 'Hi' via SMS or WhatsApp to the same number to receive the link.

Opening the link displays the nearest Social Forestry nursery, complete with contact details, Google Maps location, and the mobile numbers of the relevant forest officials. The portal also lists contact information for all Gujarat Forest Department nurseries, Range Forest Officers (RFOs), eco-tourism sites, and other forest-related services.

Saplings Available at 453 Nurseries Statewide

According to the Forest Department, citizens can purchase high-quality saplings from any of its 453 nurseries across Gujarat at prices ranging from ₹5 to ₹15, depending on plant size. Saplings grown in 15×25 cm and 10×20 cm polybags are distributed free of cost.

R.K. Sugoor, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), said, 'Citizens wishing to obtain saplings free of charge or at concessional rates may contact the concerned Range Forest Officer (RFO) or Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) in their district.'

What Officials Said

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the initiative was introduced to make tree plantation drives more accessible. 'Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Forest Department is committed to making Gujarat greener by encouraging people across the state to plant trees. The Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department has raised 11.80 crore saplings for distribution to citizens,' Modhwadia stated.

Minister of State for Forest and Environment Pravin Mali described the helpline as a citizen-centric step to improve access to forest services. 'The Gujarat Forest Department has launched an in-house digital helpline system. It has proved helpful in connecting people across the state with the appropriate forest officials for assistance and grievance redressal,' Mali said.

S.K. Srivastava, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Training), highlighted the platform's adaptability: 'The key feature of this initiative is its dynamic digital platform. The platform can be quickly modified and updated according to requirements.'

Early Response and Existing Support Channels

The department reported a positive public response since launch, with the helpline currently handling around 30 to 40 calls every day. The service complements the existing toll-free 1926 helpline, which handles wildlife rescue requests, forest complaints, and other assistance. Notably, both the digital helpline and the online platform have been built and operated entirely in-house, without any additional expenditure.

With the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign pushing public participation in green cover expansion, Gujarat's tech-driven approach to sapling distribution could serve as a replicable model for other states.