Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the growing public participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, highlighting record-breaking tree plantation drives in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh while emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and biodiversity.
Addressing the nation during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said the campaign had evolved into a nationwide people’s movement, with citizens taking responsibility for protecting nature.
PM Modi said, “People across the country are fulfilling their responsibility towards nature through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. When society connects with this sentiment, beautiful and inspiring examples emerge.”
“The incredible power of public participation was witnessed in Ahmedabad. In the Bhadaj area, over 3.5 lakh saplings were planted within a single hour, with more than 25,000 people joining the effort. School children, NCC cadets, volunteers, and ordinary citizens—everyone participated in this campaign. In the coming years, these saplings will grow into a dense urban forest. This achievement has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records,” he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the large-scale plantation drive carried out in UP, describing it as another example of the campaign’s success.
“The remarkable resolve of the people was also evident in Uttar Pradesh under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, where over 35 crore saplings were planted in a single day – on the 12th of July. As a Member of Parliament representing a constituency in UP, this is a matter of special pride for me,” he said.
PM Modi further underscored the ecological significance of trees and biodiversity, citing the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gujarat’s Gir forests after nearly six decades.
“Trees are not just for humans; they are also home to countless living creatures. After nearly 60 years, the Indian Grey Hornbill is once again making its abode in the Gir forests of Gujarat. This is the result of years of conservation and restoration efforts in Gir. The Hornbill is often referred to as the ‘farmer of the forest.’ They eat these fruits and disperse the seeds far and wide; from these very seeds, new trees grow in the forest. In this way, a single bird helps make the forest lush and green again. I would urge all of you to connect a special occasion in your lives with nature – plant a tree in your mother’s name. A small sapling planted today can become a legacy of greenery, clean air, and a beautiful future for generations to come,” the Prime Minister said.
