Ayodhya: In a monumental environmental campaign, Uttar Pradesh has planted more than 37.21 crore saplings in a single day under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. The plantation, conducted across 75 districts, marks a watershed moment in India’s afforestation efforts and a model for public-led ecological renewal.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Kicks Off Campaign in Ayodhya
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the campaign from Ayodhya, planting banyan, neem, and peepal saplings along the banks of the Sarayu river. He described the drive as a tribute to the nurturing spirit of motherhood and India’s cultural reverence for nature. Governor Anandiben Patel also participated by planting a Triveni sapling in Barabanki.
District Magistrates Spearhead Statewide Implementation
District Magistrates played a decisive role in the campaign’s success, ensuring community mobilization, departmental coordination, and on-ground supervision. Among the top-performing districts:
- IAS Badrinath Singh: 2014‑batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as DM Sonbhadra, led with 1,58,88,285 saplings, the highest in the state.
- IAS Mridul Chaudhary: 2014‑batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently DM Jhansi (previously DM Mahoba), oversaw 99,51,686 plantings.
- IAS Durga Shakti Nagpal: 2010‑batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, serving as DM Lakhimpur Kheri, ensured 96,75,100 saplings were planted.
- IAS Rajesh Kumar Pandey: 2012‑batch (UP cadre), serving as DM Jalaun, supervised 95,66,224 saplings.
- IAS Priyanka Niranjan: 2013‑batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, serving as DM Mirzapur , facilitated 99,56,290 saplings.
These efforts reflect both administrative efficiency and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Wide Participation Along Rivers, Highways, and Urban Corridors
The drive saw active participation from government officials, school children, NGOs, and common citizens. Saplings were planted across strategic landscapes—riverbanks, expressways, highways, urban parks, and government lands. Most species selected were native and resilient, such as teak, sheesham, and banyan, ensuring ecological balance.
State’s Ongoing Green Transition
Since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has planted over 240 crore saplings, significantly increasing its green cover. The survival rate of previous plantations stands at 86.67%, validating the long-term sustainability of such mass campaigns. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the initiative as a “transition from heat wave to green wave,” celebrating the enthusiasm of both administration and citizens.
Also Read: Women SHGs Reassigned Ready-to-Eat Production Work: PM Modi’s Guarantee Realised in Chhattisgarh
