Gandhinagar: In a significant push toward environmental conservation, the Gujarat Forest Department has announced the plantation of 7.63 lakh saplings under the Harit Van Path Yojana, an ambitious green initiative led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel. The programme aims to enhance green cover across the state by planting trees along roadsides, coastal highways, and vacant lands, especially in areas like Kutch and Saurashtra, using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Partnership with Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram to Drive Statewide Greenery Push
To kick off this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Forest Department and Manav Seva Charitable Trust – Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram at an event held in Gandhinagar. The signing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel, Forest and Environment Minister Mr. Mulubhai Bera, and Minister of State Mr. Mukesh Patel.
Under this collaboration, the Trust will plant 7.63 lakh saplings with tree guards at strategic locations across Gujarat. These include roadsides, coastal areas, and underutilized land parcels, furthering the goal of sustainable and inclusive environmental growth.
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Advancing PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Vision
This initiative is a direct extension of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which calls on citizens to plant trees in memory of their mothers as a symbolic and practical step toward fighting climate change and expanding green coverage.
CM Bhupendra Patel, who has been instrumental in implementing this vision in Gujarat, stated that this programme will not only contribute to ecological balance but also help the state meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Scientific Plantation Methods Adopted for Long-Term Impact
To ensure durability and ecological value, the Forest Department will plant 8-foot tall saplings of native species like Banyan and Peepal. These will be planted in 45 x 45 x 45 cm pits with 10×10 meter spacing under the PPP model. The method ensures strong root systems and high survival rates, making a measurable long-term impact.
Plantation to Span From Dwarka to Somnath and Beyond
The Forest Department had earlier signed an MoU with the same trust during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, covering the plantation of 40,000 saplings along the Dwarka-Somnath route. The new agreement significantly scales up the initiative to cover nearly every district in Gujarat.
MoU Ceremony Attended by Key Officials and Stakeholders
The MoU signing was witnessed by several key dignitaries including:
- Mr. M.K. Das, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Dr. A.P. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force
- R.K. Sugoor, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
- Mr. Vijay Dobariya and Mr. Mittal Khetani, representatives of Manav Seva Charitable Trust – Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram
The event emphasized the collaborative spirit between the government and civil society in addressing climate challenges, urban greening, and community-led conservation.
