In a major push towards environmental conservation and water preservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name) campaign at Budania Hill, located within the Border Security Force (BSF) campus in Indore.

Marking the beginning of the initiative, the Chief Minister planted a sapling and urged people across the state to actively participate in plantation drives while taking responsibility for nurturing every tree they plant.

51k saplings planted on the occasion

The launch witnessed an impressive green milestone, with 51,000 saplings planted in a single day at Budania Hill. The campaign aims to transform environmental protection into a people's movement through widespread public participation and sustained efforts towards increasing the state's green cover.

MP Govt reiterates target of planting 2.1M saplings

Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav emphasised that environmental protection and water conservation have become the need of the hour. He appealed to citizens to treat tree plantation as a collective social responsibility rather than a one-time activity, stressing that the survival and maintenance of saplings are just as important as planting them.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya reaffirmed the government's commitment to planting 2.1 million saplings under the campaign. He announced that large-scale plantation drives would now be organised every Sunday across different parts of Indore to ensure the campaign gathers momentum.

According to the minister, after Budania Hill, the initiative will be extended in phases to several identified locations, including Revati Range and Sirpur Lake, along with other suitable sites across the city.

Focus on water conservation alongside green cover

Highlighting the broader vision behind the campaign, CM Dr Yadav said Indore, the historic city of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, is recognised for its rich legacy of preserving and promoting India's Sanatan cultural heritage.

He recalled that Ahilyabai Holkar had constructed numerous stepwells during her reign, not only to fulfil administrative responsibilities but also to maintain harmony with nature and ensure sustainable water resources.

Drawing inspiration from that legacy, the Chief Minister said the Madhya Pradesh Government has undertaken extensive programmes for the cleaning, restoration and reconstruction of rivers, ponds, wells and traditional stepwells across the state. He added that Indore has carried out significant work in the field of water conservation, helping Madhya Pradesh emerge as one of the country's leading states in this regard.

Senior BJP leaders and officials attend event

The event was attended by Madhya Pradesh BJP President Hemant Khandelwal, who also planted a sapling to support the campaign. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, public representatives, senior administrative officials, BSF officers and a large number of BJP workers were also present.

With the launch of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the state government hopes to encourage greater public participation in environmental conservation while reinforcing the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.