Gorakhpur, July 12 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched the state-wide ‘Mega Tree Plantation Drive’ (Plantation Mahayagya) from Gorakhpur by planting a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign near the Gorakhpur Link Expressway along the Tal Ring Road near RKBK.

Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad and Minister of State for Forest and Environment (Independent Charge) Arun Kumar Saxena were present alongside the Chief Minister during the launch of the large-scale plantation campaign.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has set a record target of planting 35 crore saplings this year. According to officials, all necessary preparations for the ambitious campaign have been completed under the coordination of the Forest Department.

As part of the state-wide initiative, Gorakhpur has been entrusted with the responsibility of planting 55,28,600 saplings.

The Forest Department has been assigned the largest share of the overall target, while the campaign is being implemented through the coordinated participation of 27 government departments.

Ahead of the launch, the Chief Minister shared a message on X, highlighting the cultural significance of environmental conservation in India.

“In Indian culture, the conservation of nature is not merely an environmental obligation but an expression of gratitude. We regard the Earth as Mother, rivers as life-givers, and trees as the source of life-sustaining air (Pranvayu),” CM Yogi wrote.

“That is why tree plantation is not just a formal event for us, but an opportunity to express gratitude towards nature that has bestowed upon us life, food, water, and energy. The mega tree plantation drive on July 12 is a grand celebration of this very gratitude,” he further said.

Speaking about the ‘State-wide Tree Plantation Mega-Drive 2026’, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak urged people across the state to actively participate in the campaign and contribute to increasing the state’s green cover.

“Today, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign is being launched in Uttar Pradesh. Under this initiative, the state has set a target of planting over 35 crore saplings. The entire government, all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, and the general public are participating in this campaign with great enthusiasm. I appeal to the people of the state to plant a tree in their mother’s name and make the state green,” Pathak said.

The state government has described the plantation drive as one of its largest environmental initiatives, aimed at promoting ecological conservation while encouraging public participation through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

–IANS

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