Tree Planting – Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign
Renowned as India’s cleanest city, Indore has achieved another milestone by setting a new Guinness World Record for “the most trees planted by a team in 24 hours.” On July 13-14, 2024, the city planted over 1.1 million saplings, breaking the previous record of 921,730 set by Assam’s Forest Department in September 2023.
This remarkable feat was part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024. The initiative aims to plant approximately 1.4 billion trees across India, with 55 million designated for Madhya Pradesh, often called the ‘lungs of Bharat.’
Massive Participation and Organisation
The plantation drive took place at the BSF Academy’s Revati Range, meticulously divided into nine zones and 100 sub-zones. The event saw active participation from 2,000 BSF jawans, over 100 NRIs who flew in from different parts of the world to contribute, NCC cadets from 50 schools, and numerous citizens along with members of social organizations. The Indore Hoteliers Association (IHA) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI organized the event, ensuring a well-coordinated effort.
High-Profile Support and Participation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined the campaign, symbolically planting a sapling to support the initiative. His participation underscored the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and provided significant momentum to the campaign. This high-profile support is a source of pride and encouragement for all of us.
Diverse and Sustainable Tree Planting
Experts highlighted the variety of saplings planted, which included long-lived species such as Banyan, Neem, and Peepal, known for their environmental benefits. Additionally, medicinal plants like Guava and Amla were also planted, ensuring a diverse and sustainable contribution to the ecosystem. This approach reassures us that we are on the right path towards a greener future.
National Impact and Future Initiatives
Indore’s record-setting achievement is expected to inspire similar efforts across the country. This monumental tree-planting drive is a significant step towards increasing India’s forest cover and combating climate change. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of community participation and the collective effort required to achieve environmental goals. To maintain this momentum, future initiatives are planned to continue the tree-planting efforts and further increase India’s forest cover.
Environmental and Social Benefits
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is not just about setting records but also about creating a greener future for the next generation. By planting trees, Indore contributes to cleaner air, better soil quality, and increased biodiversity. The drive also raises awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and encourages citizens to protect nature actively.
Encouraging Sustainable Practices
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in India. It aligns with global efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable development goals.
Indore’s achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record for tree planting is a testament to the city’s unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability. As other regions look to replicate Indore’s success, this campaign stands as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for future environmental initiatives, inspiring us all to take action.
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