‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launches tree plantation drive to expand city's green cover, aims to plant 70 lakh saplings this year

Indian Express

19 hours ago

In a renewed push to green the capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Shalimar Bagh in New Delhi. The initiative, an extension of the earlier tree plantation drive, aims to plant over 70 lakh saplings across Delhi this year, according to an official statement.
'This is not just an environmental initiative but an emotional, cultural, and social commitment dedicated to our mothers, motherland, and Mother Nature,' said CM Gupta, after planting a Sindoor (vermilion) tree on the school campus and linked it to a broader cultural sentiment.
CM Gupta shared that citizens had gifted her the sapling earlier that day, adding, 'I felt as though God fulfilled my desire.'
'This tree is a symbol of a mother's love and our nation's spirit,' she said, describing the campaign as a historic step for Delhi. The campaign seeks to involve schools, colonies, government offices, social and religious organisations, and corporate groups in a collective effort to increase the city's green cover.
Addressing the environmental challenges facing the national capital, the CM highlighted the role of trees in combating pollution and reviving ecological traditions. 'Neem, peepal, and banyan trees were once common in our courtyards, valued both for their religious and scientific significance. It's time to bring back these traditions,' she said.
Gupta also appealed to the public to plant trees not just at home, but under flyovers, along roadsides, and on all available vacant lands. She encouraged corporate and civil society bodies to take part in the initiative. 'Every department, school, and institution should participate in this campaign,' she affirmed.
The Delhi CM referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inspiration behind the campaign and also criticised the previous Delhi administration for ignoring the Central Government's populist initiatives. 'The previous AAP government had rejected several people-centric initiatives of the Centre for political reasons. Even social and environmental efforts were viewed through a political lens,' she said.
Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, who was present at the launch said, 'Mothers are the givers of life, and trees are protectors of life on Earth. When we dedicate a tree in our mother's name, we take a personal and emotional vow to protect our environment,' he said, adding that the campaign would be expanded citywide in the coming weeks.