India’s Green Push: Tree Plantation Drive Rolls Out Across 15 States

Image Source : News Arena

India has kicked off a nationwide tree plantation campaign this week, spanning 15 states and involving thousands of volunteers, students, and civic bodies. The initiative, backed by both government and nongovernment organizations, aims to boost green cover, combat climate change, and promote environmental awareness.

Key highlights:

The campaign is part of the broader “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” movement, which encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers and Mother Earth.
States participating include Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, among others.
Over 2 lakh saplings are being planted under MHADA’s Van Mahotsav Week initiative in Maharashtra alone, with similar targets set in other regions.

Local efforts and impact:

In Varanasi, a mega campaign aims to plant over 1.8 million saplings, including sacred and fruitbearing trees like Peepal, Neem, and Jamun.
Schools and colleges have joined the drive, distributing saplings to students and encouraging care and followup.
In Delhi, the AsolaBhati Wildlife Sanctuary hosted a highprofile event with Union ministers and the Lieutenant Governor, planting native species across degraded land.

Environmental goals:

The campaign supports India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.
It also aligns with national missions like Namami Gange, Smart Cities, and the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

This week’s plantation drive reflects a growing movement to reconnect with nature and build a greener, more resilient India.

Sources: Times of India, Free Press Journal, PIB, India Space Week, 4S India.