On World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami demonstrated his commitment to environmental conservation by planting a Sita Ashoka sapling at his Chief Minister's Office (CMO) residence. This act was part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, a nationwide initiative promoting environmental awareness and honoring mothers.
The "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, which translates to "One Tree in the Name of Mother," encourages individuals to plant trees as a symbol of respect for their mothers and to actively participate in preserving the environment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the campaign on June 5, 2024. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders led to the planting of at least 80 crore saplings between June and September.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dhami appealed to the people of Uttarakhand to join this noble cause. He emphasized the importance of serving nature while expressing reverence for mothers. He sees the initiative as a way to connect maternal respect with environmental responsibility, motivating everyone to plant a tree in their mother's name.
The Sita Ashoka tree, planted by CM Dhami, holds cultural and medicinal significance in India. Its vibrant flowers and lush foliage contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings and possess various medicinal properties. By planting this particular sapling, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of preserving indigenous plant species and their role in maintaining ecological balance.
Several other dignitaries joined Chief Minister Dhami in the plantation drive, including Forest and Environment Minister Subodh Uniyal and Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. Their participation highlighted the government's unified approach to environmental conservation and its commitment to promoting sustainable practices.
In addition to the plantation drive, Chief Minister Dhami also honored individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection. This recognition served as an encouragement for others to follow suit and actively engage in preserving Uttarakhand's natural heritage.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister administered an oath to promote a plastic-free Uttarakhand and distributed cloth bags to school children, reinforcing the message of reducing plastic consumption and adopting eco-friendly alternatives. He also directed the Forest Department to plant at least one thousand fruit trees in every forest division of the state this year to ensure adequate food for wild animals. He also urged people and travelers to refrain from feeding animals items harmful to their health. Additionally, he appealed to the public to plant trees on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for promoting environmental conservation.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand's rich biodiversity and natural beauty, with its dense forests, sacred rivers, and Himalayan glaciers. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's efforts in advancing renewable energy production in India through initiatives like the Solar Mission, Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange Abhiyan, and the Plastic Free India Campaign.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the importance of public participation in environmental protection, highlighting efforts to raise awareness among tourists visiting Uttarakhand. He noted ongoing work to find alternatives to plastic in the state, emphasizing the need for minimal plastic use. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan stressed the importance of environmental protection alongside development, introducing the concept of Gross Environment Product and initiating environmental awards at the state level.
