Gujarat launches mega tree plantation drive on 'World Environment Day'

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday launched the statewide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day, reaffirming the state's commitment to expanding green cover and promoting sustainable living. The initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide tree plantation movement, aims to mobilise citizens, government agencies and local bodies towards large-scale afforestation efforts across Gujarat.

#WATCH | Gandhinagar | On the occassion of World Environment Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel planted a tree under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. pic.twitter.com/0Z3pfIsj9T

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2026

Launching the campaign by planting a Peepal tree in Gandhinagar, Patel urged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles by conserving water, fuel and energy in their daily activities. He said environmental protection should become a continuous public movement rather than being limited to annual observances.The Chief Minister called on people to embrace the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and contribute to sustainable development through a “Back to Basics” approach. He emphasized that collective efforts towards environmental conservation can help create a healthier and greener future for coming generations.
The launch event was held near the Lok Bhavan Staff Quarters in Gandhinagar, where around 5,000 saplings were planted across nearly half a hectare of land. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Pravin Mali was present during the programme.As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” campaign and the upcoming Van Mahotsav celebrations, the Gujarat Forest Department has set an ambitious target of planting 551.91 lakh saplings across 74,453.90 hectares during 2026-27. To support the plantation drive during the monsoon season, the department has arranged for the distribution of 11.80 crore saplings through 423 nurseries across the state.On the occasion of World Environment Day, Patel also participated in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's Mission Five Million Trees initiative at Chandkheda. During the programme, he flagged off a Mobile Source Apportionment Laboratory developed under the Smart Sensing and Digital Intelligence Project to strengthen air quality monitoring and identify major pollution sources.The Mobile Source Apportionment Laboratory will scientifically identify and map pollution sources in Ahmedabad in real time, helping authorities formulate targeted measures to improve the city's Air Quality Index (AQI).
CM also inaugurated the Miyawaki-based Clong-On Forest Development Project aimed at expanding urban green cover and supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation said the initiative is part of its long-term strategy to address the Urban Heat Island Effect, which has intensified with rapid urbanisation and rising temperatures. The civic body has steadily expanded its plantation efforts, increasing the number of trees planted from 11.66 lakh in 2019-20 to over 41.16 lakh in 2025-26. For 2026-27, it has set a target of planting 50 lakh trees across the city.To improve air quality, the civic body has identified pollution hotspot areas where focused plantation drives will be undertaken. It has also signed agreements with PPP, CSR and CER partners to support maintenance and expansion of green cover. Under the Mission Five Million Trees programme, plantations will be carried out along roads, dividers, public spaces and gardens, while citizens can participate through the AMC Seva App by registering for free tree plantation at homes and residential societies. Initiatives such as Green Volunteer, Memorial Park and Green Societies will also be promoted to encourage public participation.

'વિશ્વ પર્યાવરણ દિવસ' નિમિત્તે આજે અમદાવાદ મ્યુનિસિપલ કોર્પોરેશન (AMC) દ્વારા આયોજિત ‘મિશન ફાઇવ મિલિયન ટ્રીઝ’ અંતર્ગત ચાંદખેડા ખાતેથી વૃક્ષારોપણના મહાઅભિયાનનો શુભારંભ કરાવ્યો.

શહેરમાં હરિયાળી વધારવાના સંકલ્પ સાથે ચાલુ વર્ષે અમદાવાદમાં 50 લાખ વૃક્ષો વાવવાનો પ્રશંસનીય લક્ષ્યાંક… pic.twitter.com/JMXvSbApTN

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) June 5, 2026

According to officials, the forest cover expansion programme has been significantly scaled up compared to the previous year. The Forest Department plans to develop forest cover across nearly 440 hectares at around 300 locations. Plantation activities have also been proposed on 6,652 hectares under the Green Wall of Aravalli Project and on 20,100 hectares through mangrove restoration initiatives.The campaign forms part of a broader effort to enhance ecological resilience, combat climate change and improve environmental sustainability across Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative in 2024 to encourage citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers while contributing to environmental conservation. The latest phase of the campaign coincides with celebrations marking 12 years of the Prime Minister’s tenure.Among those present at the launch were Gandhinagar Mayor Mira Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak, Gandhinagar City BJP President Ashish Dave, Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department Vinod Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Jaipal Singh, Gandhinagar Collector Ravindra Khatale and senior forest department officials.

(State Correspondent)