In a heartfelt gesture reflecting India’s growing environmental consciousness, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique initiative, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, aimed at strengthening citizens’ bonds with nature by encouraging them to plant trees in honor of their mothers.
At the same time, Yogi Adityanath is also set to unveil a major development push for Deoria district by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a record 501 projects valued at approximately Rs 676.32 crore. Speaking about the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which PM Modi highlighted in the latest edition of his popular radio program Mann Ki Baat, CM Yogi praised the initiative for its emotional and environmental significance.
The campaign encourages every Indian citizen to plant a tree and dedicate it to their mother, ideally around World Environment Day on June 5. Yogi noted that the idea not only fosters a deep emotional connection with nature but also advances the broader goals of environmental conservation in India.
The Chief Minister Yogi highlighted that a “New India” is steadily positioning itself as a frontrunner in environmental preservation. Reflecting this national vision at the state level, Yogi Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh has undertaken extensive tree plantation drives under his administration. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, the state successfully planted around 36.81 crore saplings, playing a crucial role in enhancing the country’s green footprint.
He urged citizens across the country to participate enthusiastically in this noble campaign, calling it a “mobile and emotional movement” that binds people more closely to nature and strengthens familial and national bonds simultaneously.
Adding to the momentum of the district’s development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 501 projects totaling Rs 676.32 crore in Deoria on Tuesday. This massive undertaking covers a wide range of sectors, symbolizing the state government’s holistic approach to rural and urban development.
A total of 501 development projects have been planned, reflecting a strong push towards infrastructure and service improvements across Deoria district. These projects are a mix of inaugurations and new beginnings aimed at uplifting the region.
Out of the 501 projects, 341 works worth Rs 253.84 crore will be inaugurated. Meanwhile, foundation stones will be laid for 180 projects valued at Rs 422.67 crore, marking a major investment into the region’s future development.
The projects span several crucial departments. Under the Public Works Department (PWD), 28 projects will focus on enhancing infrastructure such as roads and public buildings. The Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department will undertake 12 projects aimed at strengthening water management and sanitation facilities. The Irrigation and Water Resources Department will oversee 10 projects designed to boost agricultural productivity through better water resource management. Additionally, multiple initiatives will be launched under the Nagar Palika Parishad, Gautam Barhaj, to improve urban civic infrastructure and services.
A standout contributor is the District Panchayat, which accounts for the highest number of projects among all departments. It will handle 215 works worth Rs 22.59 crore, highlighting a strong emphasis on grassroots development. Along with this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate 29 projects specifically under the Public Works Department, mainly aimed at enhancing road connectivity and public amenities for the residents.
The development plan also places significant emphasis on both rural and urban progress.
Foundation stones will be laid for 14 projects under the Nagar Panchayat Laar, ensuring better facilities in smaller towns. Additionally, 13 projects of the District Urban Development Agency will focus on enhancing urban areas, while 11 projects each under the AYUSH and Planning Departments will contribute to healthcare and systematic development efforts.
These projects are expected to have a direct impact on improving health services, urban infrastructure, planning initiatives, and quality of life in Deoria.
The twin announcements – praising an environmental campaign and launching massive development works – underline the Yogi government’s dual focus on ecological conservation and infrastructural modernization.
While the tree plantation drive seeks to address climate change and environmental degradation, the large-scale development projects aim to create sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth, water security, and better living standards.
The synergy between these two initiatives reflects the larger developmental philosophy espoused by both Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi: development must be sustainable and inclusive. Riding on the success of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has already started making arrangements for its plantation drive scheduled for 2025.
More areas will be identified for planting trees, and citizens will be encouraged to participate actively. This green initiative will continue to be a key part of Uttar Pradesh’s environmental strategy over the coming years, with a target to involve millions of citizens and plant crores of saplings annually.
With initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and the simultaneous infrastructure development drive, Uttar Pradesh is setting a benchmark for balanced and sustainable growth. On one hand, emotional and cultural values are being woven into environmental action. On the other, essential services and connectivity are being enhanced to foster economic prosperity.
