Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai Plants Peepal Tree in His Mother's Name, Inaugurates Van Mahotsav-2026
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai launched Van Mahotsav-2026 today by planting a Peepal sapling in the name of his mother at a massive tree plantation program organized in Nava Raipur, marking the beginning of the state-wide 'Peepal for People' campaign. Under this campaign, over 2500 Peepal saplings were planted in approximately 15 acres of land. On this occasion, the Chief Minister called upon the people of the state to join the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign and ensure their active participation in environmental conservation by planting more and more trees.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that environmental conservation is not just an environmental necessity, but also our cultural heritage and our responsibility towards future generations. He said that trees are considered life-givers in Indian culture, and the Peepal tree, in particular, is a symbol of faith, spiritual consciousness, and environmental conservation. This tree is considered one of the highest oxygen-producing trees and plays an important role in the conservation of biodiversity.
Chief Minister said that the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign, which started on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has now become a public movement. Through this campaign, environmental conservation has been linked with the sentiment of motherly respect, fostering a sense of affection and responsibility towards nature in society. He said that this campaign has also received widespread public support in Chhattisgarh. Over 7 crore saplings have been planted across the state in the last two years, and a target of planting 2.5 crore saplings has been set for this year.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that tree plantation will be meaningful only when the conservation of the planted saplings is also ensured. He urged citizens to plant a sapling in the name of their mother on their homes, farm bunds, schools, workplaces, or any available vacant land nearby, and also take responsibility for its care and nurturing. He said that every sapling will be the foundation for clean air, a pure environment, and a secure future in the coming times.
Referring to the global challenge of climate change, the Chief Minister said that rising temperatures, pollution, and increasing pressure on natural resources are a matter of serious concern for the entire world. At such a time, tree plantation is one of the most effective and simple solutions. He said that if every citizen plants at least one sapling annually and conserves it, a significant change is possible in the direction of environmental conservation.
Chief Minister Shri Sai mentioned the resolve of the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, stating that he has taken a lifelong vow to plant one sapling daily. If, for some reason, it is not possible to plant a tree outside on a particular day, he fulfills his vow by planting a sapling in a pot. The Chief Minister described this as an inspiring example of dedication and discipline towards nature, adding that such resolutions form the basis for positive change in society.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Shri Kedar Kashyap, said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign is being taken forward with widespread public participation in the state. He said that the 'Peepal for People' campaign is not just a tree plantation program, but a resolution to build a clean, green, and healthy future.
Shri Kashyap said that the Peepal tree in Indian culture is a wonderful blend of faith and science. While it is considered extremely sacred from a religious perspective, scientifically it plays a significant role in improving air quality and reducing urban pollution by absorbing a large amount of carbon dioxide. He informed that under the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign, the Forest Department has planted approximately 7 crore 50 lakh saplings across the state in the last two years. He also called upon citizens to send a message of environmental conservation by planting a sapling along with hoisting the tricolor at their homes on the occasion of Independence Day.
The program was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Finance, Housing and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary, Food Minister Shri Dayal Das Baghel, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan, Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma, MLA Shri Indrakumar Sahu, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Forest Development Corporation Shri Ramsevak Paikra, Additional Chief Secretary Forests and Environment Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Shri Arun Kumar Pandey, along with cabinet members, public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens, who took a collective pledge for environmental conservation by planting Peepal saplings. During the program, all attendees reiterated their pledge for the conservation of the saplings along with tree plantation.