Gujarat: PM Modi plants sapling on World Environment Day, reviews projects in Surat
Surat, June 5
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked 'World Environment Day' by participating in a tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, highlighting the government's ongoing emphasis on environmental sustainability and public participation in afforestation efforts.
The initiative encourages citizens to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture that combines environmental responsibility with familial tribute.
During the event, the Prime Minister planted a sapling as part of the nationwide campaign, which he first launched on World Environment Day in 2024.
The programme has since expanded into a large-scale mass movement aimed at increasing green cover across the country and strengthening citizens' ecological awareness.
As part of his visit to Gujarat, the Prime Minister also undertook a detailed review of ongoing industrial operations and major infrastructure development projects in Hazira.
The review covered key industrial installations in the region, including heavy engineering and manufacturing facilities, which are regarded as significant contributors to India's industrial and defence production ecosystem.
According to officials, the Prime Minister assessed project progress, operational efficiency, and expansion work at key sites in the Hazira industrial belt, which has emerged as an important hub for large-scale industrial activity and infrastructure growth.
Officials noted that Hazira's industrial ecosystem continues to play a strategic role in advanced manufacturing and heavy engineering, with ongoing development work aimed at enhancing production capacity and logistics connectivity in the region.
In Surat, local arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit also reflected the day's environmental theme, with large-scale plantation drives undertaken across the city under the same initiative.
Civic and organisational participation was reported across multiple locations as part of the broader campaign to promote green mobility and sustainable urban practices.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, commenting on the Prime Minister's message during the visit, said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to all citizens of the country to save petrol and diesel and to make maximum use of public transportation. He has also urged people to use bicycles and walk for short-distance travel, such as going to offices and for other daily activities."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see PM Modi taking time for environment on World Environment Day. But I wish the government would also focus more on reducing industrial pollution in places like Hazira. Tree plantation is great, but we need stricter enforcement of green norms for factories too. Just a thought.
PM Modi ka environment ke liye commitment dikh raha hai. Hazira industrial belt ka review bhi important hai - yeh region defence manufacturing mein bada role play kar raha hai. Make in India ka asli roop yahi dikhta hai. Aur plantation drive ko public support mil raha hai, bahut achcha hai! 🇮🇳
The concept of planting a tree in mother's name is very touching. Our family in Bangalore did this last year and we water it daily. Pm's suggestion to walk or cycle for short distances - that would really help reduce traffic in our cities. Hope more people follow this.
Achha hai ki world environment day par PM ne plantation ki, lekin election ke time pe toh har jagah yeh hota hai. Real test is how many saplings survive after 2 years. Last year's plantation drives - kitne bach gaye? Government should also audit the survival rate. Still, positive step.
Great to see Surat taking lead in green initiatives. Hazira industrial area developing fast - that'll create more jobs for youth. And the bike/walk suggestion is practical for short commutes. In my office in Delhi, many colleagues now cycle to nearby metro station. Small changes matter! 🚴♀️
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