New Delhi, August 12, 2026: More than 50,000 saplings were planted across 31 states on the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya as part of a nationwide plantation campaign led by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in collaboration with the Vriksh Mitra Parivar.
The campaign drew further momentum from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, encouraging citizens to take an active role in increasing green cover and protecting the environment.
A major plantation programme was organised at PBG Ground, Central Ridge, near Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, where ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, farmers, students, youth and citizens participated.
Nationwide Plantation Drive Gains Momentum
The programme began with watering of saplings and the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by a mass plantation activity. Similar programmes were organised in villages, towns, panchayats and institutions across the country.
Members of the Vriksh Mitra Parivar played an important role in mobilising communities and encouraging people to plant at least one tree. The campaign emphasised that plantation should not remain a one-day activity but should develop into a sustained movement for environmental protection.
Addressing participants, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Hariyali Amavasya provides an opportunity to express gratitude towards nature. He highlighted the traditional Indian understanding of the interconnectedness of people, animals, birds, rivers, mountains and trees.
Chouhan Calls for Protection of Planted Trees
Chouhan stressed that planting a sapling is only the beginning and that its long-term survival requires regular care and protection.
He urged citizens to plant at least one tree every year and encourage five others to do the same. He also suggested celebrating important personal occasions, including birthdays, wedding anniversaries and the birth of children, by planting trees as a form of “Vriksh Parv.”
The Union Minister further called upon panchayats, urban local bodies and institutions to identify designated plantation areas where saplings can be properly maintained and protected.
Environment and Agriculture Closely Linked
Chouhan underlined the strong connection between environmental conservation and agriculture. According to him, environmental degradation can directly affect farming, water availability, soil health and overall human well-being.
For farmers, he said, protecting water resources and maintaining healthy soil are as important as ensuring access to quality seeds and fertilisers.
He also encouraged wider adoption of Mission LiFE, energy conservation and reduced dependence on plastic as part of efforts to promote responsible environmental practices.
Delhi Ministers Back Green Campaign
Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Delhi Government had drawn inspiration from Chouhan’s green initiative. He noted that more than one lakh people in Delhi have been connected with the campaign, while schools, colleges and other institutions are also being encouraged to participate.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma stressed that environmental protection must remain an integral part of development. He said the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign should motivate citizens to take responsibility for protecting trees and maintaining green spaces.
Focus on Long-Term Environmental Conservation
The plantation campaign brought together representatives from agricultural universities, ICAR, DARE, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, institutions and communities.
The central message of the campaign was that planting a tree is only the first step. Ensuring that the sapling survives, grows and contributes to the environment is an equally important responsibility.
With plantation activities being carried out across 31 states, the initiative aims to strengthen public participation in environmental conservation while promoting greater awareness about the relationship between green cover, agriculture, water resources and sustainable development.
