Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai waters a Peepal sapling planted in the name of his mother during the launch of Van Mahotsav 2026 and the statewide ‘Peepal for People’ campaign in Nava Raipur on Wednesday August 5, 2026-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Sai calls upon citizens to join the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and strengthen environmental conservation
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday August 5, 2026 inaugurated Van Mahotsav 2026 by planting a Peepal (Sacred Fig )sapling in the name of his mother at a large-scale plantation programme in Nava Raipur, formally launching the statewide ‘Peepal for People’ campaign. As part of the initiative, more than 2,500 Peepal saplings were planted across nearly 15 acres, reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmental conservation and public participation in afforestation.
Appealing to the people of Chhattisgarh to actively join the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Chief Minister urged citizens to plant and nurture trees as a tribute to their mothers while contributing to a greener future.
“Protecting nature is not merely an environmental necessity but also our cultural responsibility towards future generations. In Indian tradition, trees are revered as life-givers, and the Peepal tree symbolises faith, spirituality and ecological balance,” the Chief Minister said.
He noted that the Peepal tree is regarded among the highest oxygen-producing trees and plays an important role in preserving biodiversity.
Referring to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, Sai said the initiative has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement by linking environmental protection with respect for motherhood.
“The campaign has received overwhelming public support in Chhattisgarh. More than seven crore saplings have been planted across the state over the past two years, and we have set a target of planting 2.5 crore saplings this year,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that plantation efforts would be meaningful only if the saplings were protected and nurtured after planting.
“I appeal to every citizen to plant at least one sapling in the name of their mother—whether at home, on farmland, in schools, workplaces or any available open space—and take responsibility for its care. Every tree planted today will become the foundation of clean air, a healthier environment and a safer future,” he said.
Highlighting the growing global challenge of climate change, Sai observed that rising temperatures, pollution and increasing pressure on natural resources have become major concerns worldwide.
“Tree plantation is among the simplest and most effective ways to address environmental challenges. If every citizen plants and protects at least one tree every year, it can bring about a significant positive change,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also referred to Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s personal commitment to planting one tree every day.
“Even when he cannot plant outdoors, he fulfils his pledge by planting a sapling in a pot. Such dedication and discipline towards nature serve as an inspiration for society,” Sai said.
‘Peepal for People’ is a Green Commitment: Kedar Kashyap
Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is being expanded across the state with active public participation.
“‘Peepal for People’ is not merely a plantation drive; it is a commitment to building a cleaner, greener and healthier future,” Kashyap said.
He described the Peepal tree as a unique blend of faith and science in Indian culture, noting that apart from its religious significance, it plays an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality and reducing urban pollution.
Kashyap informed that nearly 7.5 crore saplings have been planted across Chhattisgarh during the last two years under the campaign. He also appealed to citizens to complement the celebration of Independence Day by planting a tree alongside hoisting the National Flag.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Finance, Housing and Environment Minister O.P. Choudhary, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Industries Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, MLA Indra Kumar Sahu, Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation Chairman Ramsevak Paikra, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Climate Change) Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arun Kumar Pandey, senior officials, public representatives and a large number of citizens, all of whom participated in the plantation drive and pledged to protect the saplings.
