Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a tree at Smart City Park in Bhopal on World Environment Day under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event took place on June 5, 2026, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Chouhan emphasized that tree plantation is not merely about planting saplings but represents a campaign to protect humanity, nature, and future generations. He stated that preserving trees ensures the protection of water, forests, land, and biodiversity, leading to rainfall conservation, river protection, soil conservation, and continuity of life. The minister appealed to all citizens to consider environmental protection as their personal responsibility and make tree plantation a regular part of life, noting that 'if there are trees, we exist.'
During the event, Chouhan inspected a banyan tree he had planted in 2021 at the same location, noting that it had grown into a massive tree that now supports bird habitats and biodiversity. He revealed that he has maintained a personal commitment to plant one tree every day for the past five and half years without interruption, beginning with a resolution made in Amarkantak. The minister reported that this daily practice has now expanded into broader public participation with many children, youth, and citizens joining the campaign.
Chouhan encouraged citizens who cannot plant trees daily to at least plant trees on special occasions such as birthdays, children's birthdays, marriages, wedding anniversaries, and in memory of parents and other family members. He highlighted that through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, lakhs of people across the country are planting trees in honor of their mothers, and he personally planted a tree in memory of his late mother Smt. Sundar Devi Ji.
The minister concluded that environmental protection requires practical ground-level action rather than just speeches and discussions, expressing satisfaction that awareness about environmental protection is increasing in society and that the new generation is incorporating it into their lives.