Union Home Minister Amit Shah Leads Record-Breaking Tree Plantation Drive
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ apt reply to Climate Change by PM.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Parvinder Singh July 15,2024 ||
Indore : In a historic environmental effort, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a massive tree plantation drive in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to set a world record by planting 11 lakh saplings in a single day. This initiative is part of the larger ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, World Environment Day. The campaign seeks to plant a staggering 140 crore trees across India, with 5.5 crore of these being planted in Madhya Pradesh alone.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is seen as a robust response to the pressing challenges of climate change. Speaking at the event, Amit Shah emphasized the significance of this initiative in combating environmental issues. “Development is taking place and we are enhancing facilities. Modiji has asked us to look back and also work for the coming generation. The concern for the environment has become important not just for the country. Carbon dioxide and monoxide have reduced the level of ozone and created holes in its layer,” Shah said, highlighting the urgent need for environmental action.
Shah underlined that the rise in global temperatures and the observable impacts of climate change necessitate immediate and large-scale efforts like this plantation drive. “This has caused a rise in temperatures. Climate change is being experienced. The drive launched by Modiji is a suitable reply to this,” he asserted, adding that Indore, celebrated as India’s cleanest city according to the Swachh Survekshan rankings for several years, will see the planting of 51 lakh saplings under this campaign.
Earlier in the day, Shah took to social media platform X to express his enthusiasm for the event. “Today is a special day, when the people of Indore are going to create a world record by planting 11 lakh saplings,” he posted, underscoring the community’s commitment to this monumental effort.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is part of the Modi government’s broader strategy to elevate tree plantation to a matter of public awareness and national priority. Shah pointed out that environmental protection has been one of the administration’s top priorities. As part of the campaign, Shah planted saplings at the Border Security Force (BSF) campus in Revati Range, Indore, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to this cause.
Preparations for the massive plantation drive began the previous evening, with officials and volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. At the BSF Academy’s Revati Range, pits were dug, and the planting of saplings commenced early Sunday morning. State minister Kailash Vijayvargiya performed the traditional ‘bhoomi pujan’ ceremony to inaugurate the event.
By afternoon, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava reported that seven lakh of the targeted 11 lakh saplings had already been planted, reflecting the high level of community engagement and efficiency.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had earlier inaugurated the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign in the state on July 6, marking the beginning of an ambitious plan to plant 5.5 crore saplings across the state. This includes the significant contribution of 51 lakh saplings in Indore, reinforcing the city’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship.
Shah reiterated the message from Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the dual focus on progress and environmental sustainability. “Modiji has asked us to look back and also work for the coming generation. The concern for environment has become important not just for the country. Carbon dioxide and monoxide have reduced the level of ozone and created holes in its layer,” he said, pointing to the critical importance of reducing greenhouse gases and repairing the ozone layer.
The drive in Indore is not just a government initiative but a community movement, with widespread participation from various sectors of society. The city, known for its cleanliness and environmental consciousness, has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainable practices.
As the day progressed, the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants did not wane. The event’s success serves as a testament to what collective effort and commitment to environmental causes can achieve. The record-setting plantation drive in Indore is expected to inspire similar initiatives across the country, contributing significantly to India’s fight against climate change.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign stands as a shining example of how strategic, large-scale environmental initiatives can mobilize communities, address critical environmental issues, and pave the way for a greener, healthier future for the coming generations.