Surat, June 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked ‘World Environment Day’ by participating in a tree plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, highlighting the government’s ongoing emphasis on environmental sustainability and public participation in afforestation efforts.

The initiative encourages citizens to plant a tree in their mother’s name as a symbolic gesture that combines environmental responsibility with familial tribute.

During the event, the Prime Minister planted a sapling as part of the nationwide campaign, which he first launched on World Environment Day in 2024.

The programme has since expanded into a large-scale mass movement aimed at increasing green cover across the country and strengthening citizens’ ecological awareness.

As part of his visit to Gujarat, the Prime Minister also undertook a detailed review of ongoing industrial operations and major infrastructure development projects in Hazira.

The review covered key industrial installations in the region, including heavy engineering and manufacturing facilities, which are regarded as significant contributors to India’s industrial and defence production ecosystem.

According to officials, the Prime Minister assessed project progress, operational efficiency, and expansion work at key sites in the Hazira industrial belt, which has emerged as an important hub for large-scale industrial activity and infrastructure growth.

Officials noted that Hazira’s industrial ecosystem continues to play a strategic role in advanced manufacturing and heavy engineering, with ongoing development work aimed at enhancing production capacity and logistics connectivity in the region.

In Surat, local arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit also reflected the day’s environmental theme, with large-scale plantation drives undertaken across the city under the same initiative.

Civic and organisational participation was reported across multiple locations as part of the broader campaign to promote green mobility and sustainable urban practices.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, commenting on the Prime Minister’s message during the visit, said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to all citizens of the country to save petrol and diesel and to make maximum use of public transportation. He has also urged people to use bicycles and walk for short-distance travel, such as going to offices and for other daily activities.”

–IANS

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