Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Vriksharopan Abhiyan (VA) 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited, part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Held simultaneously at 300 locations across 47 districts in 11 coal/lignite-bearing states via video conferencing, the event featured the planting and distribution of approximately 1 million saplings.
Minister Reddy praised the Coal Ministry and Coal/Lignite PSUs for their environmental efforts. Over the past five years, these PSUs have planted 24 million saplings on 10,942 hectares around coalfields, showcasing their dedication to combating climate change. The PSUs aim to cover 15,350 hectares with green cover in the next five years, including 2,600 hectares this fiscal year, using innovative techniques like the Miyawaki method, seed balls, and drones.
The Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 marks a significant step in environmental sustainability and ecological restoration, contributing to the 2070 net-zero target by creating carbon sinks and improving air and water quality. This initiative reflects a commitment to aligning economic growth with ecological preservation.