CM Yogi Plants a Tree Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign at His Residence

Chief Minister plants a mango sapling and extends World Environment Day greetings

“If the environment survives, nature will survive, and only then will all living beings survive” – Chief Minister

Lucknow, June 2026 : On the occasion of World Environment Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath planted a mango sapling at his official residence on Friday under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign and extended his greetings to the people on World Environment Day.

The Chief Minister said that protecting the environment is essential for preserving nature and sustaining all forms of life. He urged every citizen to fulfill their responsibilities toward the motherland with sincerity and dedication.

Government Has Fulfilled Its Responsibility Towards Environmental Protection

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has taken several significant steps over the past nine years to protect the environment and nature.

He recalled that soon after assuming office in 2017, the double-engine government launched a massive plantation drive of five crore saplings during Van Mahotsav. At the time, the state faced numerous challenges, including a lack of nurseries and limited experience in conducting such a large-scale programme. However, the Forest Department and other departments worked collectively to successfully achieve the target.

More Than 242 Crore Saplings Planted in Nine Years

CM Yogi stated that over the last nine years, more than 242 crore saplings have been planted across Uttar Pradesh, contributing significantly to an increase in the state’s forest cover.

He noted that three years ago, Prime Minister Modi launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign as a gesture of gratitude toward nature and the motherland. As part of this initiative, a large-scale plantation campaign is now being launched across the state.

Environmental Protection Is a Supreme Duty Towards the Motherland

Referring to Lord Ram’s famous declaration, “Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi” (Mother and motherland are greater than heaven), the Chief Minister said that every citizen has a duty to express gratitude toward both.

He emphasized that protecting the environment is among the highest responsibilities towards the motherland. While the state government is conducting extensive plantation drives, it is also implementing various measures to tackle environmental challenges such as global warming, climate change, and changing weather patterns.

Efforts to Promote a Plastic-Free State

The Chief Minister said the government is working to make villages, cities, districts, and the entire state free from plastic. Single-use plastic has been discouraged, while alternatives such as earthen utensils have been promoted.

To support this effort, the state government strengthened the Mati Kala Board and made arrangements to provide free clay to members of the Prajapati and Kumhar communities from village and urban ponds between April and June. Traditional potters have also been provided with manual, solar-powered, and electric pottery wheels to support their livelihoods.

Appeal to Citizens to Plant and Protect Trees

CM Yogi highlighted several initiatives undertaken for water conservation and noted that rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory for large residential and commercial projects by development authorities.

Appealing to citizens, he urged everyone to actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by planting trees and ensuring their long-term protection and care.

Among those present on the occasion were state ministers Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, K.P. Malik, Baldev Singh Aulakh, Danish Azad Ansari, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary (Forest) V. Hekali Zhimomi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Department Sunil Chaudhary, along with other senior officials.