Did UP Ministers Lead a Historic Tree Plantation Drive under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' Campaign?

Lucknow, July 9 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh experienced a momentous green initiative on Wednesday as ministers, public figures, and citizens statewide joined forces in a record-breaking tree plantation drive under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.

This initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to plant 37 crore saplings in one day, is a significant step toward fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

The campaign was symbolically inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the sacred city of Ayodhya. He marked the event by planting a sapling and taking a selfie with it, encouraging individuals to connect emotionally and spiritually with this important cause.

“This initiative is rooted in our civilizational ethos. The Earth is our mother - ‘Mata Bhumi Putro Aham Prithivya’ - and it is our sacred duty to protect her,” stated CM Yogi.

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is not merely a plantation campaign; it represents a spiritual commitment to preserve nature,” CM Yogi added.

Accompanied by Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi and Forest Minister Arun Saxena, Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has planted over 204 crore saplings in the last eight years. This year, the state aims to plant 52 crore trees, including 37 crore in a single day as part of the ongoing Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2025.

“This campaign embodies our Prime Minister's vision of nature-centric development. It translates environmental protection from mere paperwork into the hearts of the people,” Yogi remarked, attributing the campaign's scale to coordinated efforts from the Forest Department, MNREGA, and private nurseries.

In Noida, UP Minister Somendra Tomar spearheaded the plantation drive at Sector 43, joined by former Union Minister Mahesh Sharma.

“Under CM Yogi’s guidance and with the support of each citizen, we are dedicated to planting and safeguarding 37 crore trees today. This is our tribute to nature,” Tomar declared.

Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad, a grand event unfolded in the Vijaynagar area, where UP Cabinet Minister Sunil Sharma participated in the drive.

“Approximately 11 lakh saplings will be planted in Ghaziabad alone. The land reclaimed from illegal occupation by the Defence Land Rifle Range is being transformed into green space. This initiative will help mitigate pollution and foster a sustainable ecosystem,” Sharma stated.

Ghaziabad MP Atul Garg and District Magistrate Deepak Meena were also in attendance.

Garg noted, “We’ve planned to plant 80,000 saplings at this site alone. It’s a remarkable initiative, and the Forest Department is fully backing it.”

In Basti, UP Minority Welfare Minister Danish Azad Ansari planted a tree in memory of his mother at Amhat Ghat, expressing, “This is a profoundly personal and emotional initiative. I urge everyone to plant a tree for their mother - it’s a beautiful tribute.”

Over the years, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in afforestation. According to the Indian Forest Survey, Dehradun, the state's green cover has expanded by nearly five lakh acres between 2017 and 2024, marking a historic milestone achieved through mass public involvement.

As part of India's commitment to reach Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2070, enhancing forest cover is vital, and UP is setting a commendable example in this regard.

What distinguishes ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is its comprehensive approach. Beyond the symbolic act, it is tied to tangible incentives. Farmers are encouraged to plant trees along field boundaries to earn carbon credits. Last year, 25,000 farmers across five divisions received Rs 32.8 lakh under this scheme. This year, farmers in seven divisions are being allocated Rs 42.2 lakh, reinforcing the concept of a grassroots-level green economy.

As the climate crisis worsens and extreme weather events become more frequent, the campaign serves as both a call to action and a spiritual reminder. The idea, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, aims to awaken a collective consciousness by reconnecting individuals with nature through emotional and cultural roots.

From Ayodhya to Noida, Basti to Ghaziabad, and across every district of Uttar Pradesh, millions turned out despite adverse weather to participate in the campaign — children, students, government employees, NGOs, and citizens from all walks of life.