Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Environment Day on Wednesday by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in the national capital, as part of the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The campaign, which encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, aims to promote environmental consciousness through personal and symbolic action.
Launched by the Prime Minister last year with the planting of a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park, the initiative returns in an expanded version this year — targeting the plantation of 10 crore trees across India between June 5 and September 30.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”
The plantation drive also marks the anniversary of the campaign’s launch.
The theme of the campaign — planting a tree in the name of one’s mother — seeks to blend environmental action with cultural values. Officials said the gesture is meant to highlight the nurturing role of both mothers and trees in sustaining life and securing the future.
In another post on X, the Prime Minister noted that India has seen an increase in forest cover over the past decade. “It would make you all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development,” he said.
In a parallel move to promote sustainable urban mobility, PM Modi will also flag off 200 electric buses under the Delhi government’s clean transport initiative. The introduction of these electric buses aims to reduce air pollution and boost the adoption of green transportation in the national capital.
IANS
