Governor launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at Jutogh Cantonment

SHIMLA 14th July, 2026

· Calls for collective action to tackle climate change and green future

Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the world was facing serious challenges including climate change, rising temperatures and environmental pollution. He emphasized that large-scale plantation drives, coupled with active public participation in environmental conservation, offer one of the simplest and most effective solutions to these global concerns.

The Governor was speaking after launching the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation campaign, organised by Prarthana Social Welfare Society at Jutogh Cantonment here today. He planted an Araucaria sapling in the cantonment premises.

Congratulating the Society for organizing the campaign, Shri Gupta said the initiative was much more than a tree plantation programme. He described it as an emotional and national movement that reflects India’s cultural values while expressing gratitude to both nature and mothers.

He said that the love, care and protection provided by a mother were reflected in the role of trees, which sustain life by giving clean air, conserving water, providing shade and fruits and maintaining ecological balance. Planting a tree in the name of one’s mother is a meaningful way of showing gratitude to both life and nature.

The Governor said that respect for nature had always been an important part of Indian civilization. Referring to the Vedas and Upanishads, he said that the Earth is regarded as Mother and trees as life-givers. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has grown into a nationwide people’s movement that promotes environmental protection while encouraging respect and gratitude towards mothers.

Shri Gupta also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s rich natural heritage, including its forests, Himalayan mountains, rivers and biodiversity. He said these valuable resources must be protected through collective efforts.

He called upon the students and young people to lead the way in environmental conservation as they were the nation builder and the future of the country. He urged them not only to plant saplings but also to care for them until they grow into healthy trees, adding that the true success of the campaign depends on the survival and growth of every tree planted.