JP Nadda leads 'One Tree One Mother' plantation drive in Shillong on World Environment Day
Synopsis
Union Health Minister JP Nadda took PM Modi's 'One Tree One Mother' campaign to Shillong on World Environment Day, framing tree plantation as both a maternal tribute and a climate commitment. With lakhs of BJP workers joining drives nationwide, the party is turning an environmental initiative into a grassroots cultural movement now in its second year.
Key Takeaways
Nadda participated in a tree plantation drive at Shillong Golf Club , Meghalaya , on 5 June (World Environment Day).
The event was held under PM Narendra Modi 's 'One Tree One Mother' campaign, launched in 2024 .
The campaign encourages citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers as a tribute and environmental commitment.
Lakhs of BJP workers have participated in plantation drives across the country under this initiative.
Hek called for collective responsibility in protecting forests, water bodies, and biodiversity.
The Shillong drive was part of a nationwide BJP programme on World Environment Day spanning multiple states.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday, 5 June participated in a tree plantation programme at the Shillong Golf Club in Meghalaya, as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s nationwide drive marking World Environment Day. The event reaffirmed the Centre's stated commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
About the 'One Tree One Mother' Campaign
The plantation drive was held under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'One Tree One Mother' initiative, launched in 2024, which encourages citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers as a gesture combining personal tribute with environmental responsibility. According to Nadda, the campaign has since grown into a mass movement, with lakhs of BJP workers and supporters taking part in plantation drives across the country.
What Nadda Said
Addressing party workers and participants at the Shillong event, Nadda drew a parallel between motherhood and nature. 'The campaign draws inspiration from the selfless love and care of mothers. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, nature sustains all forms of life. Planting a tree in honour of one’s mother is both a tribute to her and a commitment to preserving the environment,' he said.
Nadda also called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in conservation efforts and adopt environmentally responsible practices, highlighting the urgency posed by climate change and ecological degradation.
Senior BJP Leader Echoes the Call
Senior BJP leader and MLA A.L. Hek, who accompanied Nadda during the programme, stressed the need for collective action to safeguard natural resources. He said afforestation and environmental protection must remain a shared responsibility of governments, communities, and individuals alike.
Hek underlined that preserving forests, water bodies, and biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance and securing a sustainable future for coming generations. He urged citizens to actively support plantation drives and allied conservation initiatives.
Part of a Nationwide BJP Drive
The Shillong event was one of several programmes organised by the BJP across India on World Environment Day, with party leaders and workers undertaking plantation activities and spreading environmental awareness simultaneously in multiple states. This comes amid growing global attention on India's forest cover targets and its commitments under international climate agreements.
With the 'One Tree One Mother' campaign entering its second year, the party is positioning environmental action as both a civic duty and a cultural value — a framing that connects grassroots mobilisation with national climate goals.
Point of View
Making participation feel personal rather than ideological. By deploying a Union Cabinet minister to Shillong specifically, the BJP also signals outreach to the Northeast ahead of state political cycles. The harder question is one of outcomes: plantation drives are easy to organise and photograph, but survival rates of planted saplings in India have historically been poor. Whether this campaign tracks tree survival or only tree planting will determine whether it moves the needle on green cover — or remains a well-intentioned annual ritual.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'One Tree One Mother' campaign?
'One Tree One Mother' is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 that encourages citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, combining environmental conservation with a personal tribute. The campaign has reportedly grown into a mass movement with lakhs of BJP workers participating in plantation drives across India.
Why did JP Nadda visit Shillong on World Environment Day?
Nadda participated in a BJP-organised tree plantation drive at Shillong Golf Club, Meghalaya, on 5 June as part of the party's nationwide World Environment Day programme. The event was held under the 'One Tree One Mother' campaign to reaffirm the Centre's commitment to environmental conservation.
Who else participated in the Shillong plantation event?
Senior BJP leader and MLA A.L. Hek accompanied Nadda at the Shillong Golf Club event. Hek stressed the importance of collective action to protect forests, water bodies, and biodiversity for future generations.
How widespread is the BJP's World Environment Day drive?
The BJP organised plantation programmes simultaneously across multiple states on World Environment Day, with party leaders and workers undertaking tree plantation activities and spreading environmental awareness as part of a coordinated national effort.
What did Nadda say about the connection between mothers and nature?
Nadda said the campaign 'draws inspiration from the selfless love and care of mothers,' adding that 'just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, nature sustains all forms of life.' He called on citizens, especially the youth, to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
