On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spearhead a significant tree plantation drive as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. The event, scheduled to take place at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in New Delhi, underscores India’s ongoing dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development. As a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister will plant a Banyan sapling, marking the launch of the ambitious Aravalli Green Wall project.
This project aims to restore the health of the 700-kilometer-long Aravalli range by planting more trees and improving the environment in nearby areas across 29 districts in Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. By planting trees, restoring forests, and reviving water bodies, the project hopes to increase biodiversity, improve soil and water quality, and help the region better handle climate change. It will also help local communities by creating jobs and sources of income.
In addition, Prime Minister Modi will launch 200 electric buses as part of Delhi’s green transport plan. This step supports cleaner city travel and shows India’s joint effort to protect the environment for future generations.
This initiative, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” which began in 2024 as a symbolic gesture, has now evolved into a large-scale public campaign which is aimed at strengthening environmental consciousness across India. The campaign aspires to touch million hearts and inspire collective action for a greener and healthier future by blending personal emotion with ecological responsibility for all.
The core idea of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is both emotional and innovative. It encourages people to plant a tree in honor of their mother. This simple yet powerful thought connects the nurturing spirit of motherhood with the life-giving nature of trees. Just as a mother gives life and care to her children, a tree provides life to the planet by producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, offering shelter to wildlife, and maintaining ecological balance.
This campaign is not just about increasing the green cover; it is about building a personal and emotional connection with nature. By dedicating each tree to one’s mother, the campaign gives people a sense of responsibility, pride, and long-term commitment towards the trees that they will plant. It transforms tree plantation into a meaningful personal ritual.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has supported the campaign by facilitating plantation drives and awareness programs across the country. As per official sources, over 109 crore trees have already been planted under this campaign since its inception in 2024, a remarkable milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable development. Training programs are being conducted to guide citizens and institutions on effective plantation and aftercare.
Turning into a Jan Andolan (People’s Movement)
“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is no longer just a government-led program, it is gradually transforming into a Jan Andolan, or people’s movement. Schools, colleges, resident welfare associations, youth clubs, NGOs, and corporate organisations have embraced the campaign with enthusiasm. Community plantation drives are being organised in urban and rural areas alike, encouraging participation from citizens of all age groups.
The role of social media in spreading the message has been crucial. People are encouraged to post pictures of the trees they plant along with their mothers’ names and stories. This not only creates a sense of ownership but also inspires others to join. The emotional appeal of the campaign makes it especially relatable and memorable.
While the campaign has received widespread appreciation, its success in the long term depends on tree survival and ecosystem integration. Planting trees is only the first step, ensuring their growth, protecting them from grazing or encroachment, and providing regular care is essential. The government has acknowledged this and is working to create a geo-tagged tree database with help from local volunteers and mobile apps for public tracking and monitoring.
With its large population and increasing environmental challenges, India requires people-focused initiatives like these to successfully achieve its climate and development objectives. If every family plants and nurtures even one tree, the combined impact on air quality, water availability, temperature regulation, and biodiversity will be profound.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign is a shining example of how environmental action can be rooted in cultural values and emotional connect. By inspiring citizens to plant trees in the name of their mothers. On World Environment Day 2025, this campaign stands not just as a tribute to mothers, but as a powerful step towards securing the future of the planet.
