In the 116th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated a significant environmental milestone achieved through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, announcing that 100 crore trees have been planted across India in just five months. This impressive accomplishment stands testament to the enthusiastic participation of citizens who have embraced the initiative aimed at ecological restoration. PM Modi underscored the campaign’s expansion beyond Indian borders, citing his recent engagement with Guyana’s President Irfan Ali, who also joined the endeavor, fostering a global commitment to reforestation.
The campaign not only showcases impressive statistics but also highlights remarkable local efforts that resulted in extraordinary achievements. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, for example, over 12 lakh trees were planted within a single day, transforming barren landscapes into lush green zones. Additionally, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, a remarkable group of women set a record by planting 25,000 trees in just an hour, all while honoring the memory of their mothers. Such acts of dedication underscore how grassroots movements can lead to substantial environmental changes, as demonstrated by women from the Jeevika Self-Help Group in Bihar, who aim to plant 75 lakh fruit trees to bolster community income.
PM Modi also drew attention to the concerning decline of sparrow populations due to urbanization, calling for collective action to restore these birds to our daily lives. He highlighted the commendable initiatives undertaken by organizations such as Chennai’s Kudugal Trust and Mysuru’s ‘Early Bird’ campaign, which involve educating children to create safe havens for sparrows and fostering a deep connection to nature. By inspiring communities to replicate these efforts, PM Modi emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the role of local initiatives in protecting and revitalizing our environment for future generations.
