Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches 'Vriksh Mitra Parivar' to scale up tree plantation drive
New Delhi, July 13
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday planted saplings as part of the ongoing large-scale tree plantation campaign and announced the formation of the 'Vriksh Mitra Parivar' to encourage greater public participation in environmental conservation.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, Chouhan said the campaign aims to unite society in combating climate change and promoting sustainable afforestation through collective action.
Highlighting the initiative, the Minister shared that an initial social media appeal garnered support from approximately 16,000 volunteers. To streamline these efforts, he announced the formation of the 'Vriksh Mitra Parivar'.
"I wouldn't call it an organisation; it is truly a family," Chouhan said. "We decided to form this 'Vriksh Mitra Parivar' to gradually involve the entire society in tree plantation efforts, as planting trees in isolation is not enough."
"The Prime Minister has taken this pledge to make the world better. Tree plantation is a highly effective way to fulfil it. Therefore, we have decided to give an organised structure to this drive and bring society together," he added.
Earlier on July 8, amid the monsoon uncertainty arising from the potential impact of El Nino, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is actively managing the situation with thorough preparedness, a clear strategy, and robust ground action.
Chouhan stated that while challenges exist, the system is proactive and vigilant in addressing them. He said that after a 33 per cent rainfall deficit in June, the situation improved in July, with the deficit now reduced to 24 percent. Recent widespread rains in various parts of the country have led to a decline in the number of districts with deficient rainfall from 262 to 178, according to an official release.
Following a high-level review meeting, Chouhan told reporters that special monitoring is being conducted in states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Odisha. It is expected that rainfall will pick up pace in July, thereby accelerating Kharif sowing.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam is such a beautiful initiative. I planted a neem tree yesterday for my mother's 60th birthday. But we need accountability - how many of these saplings actually survive? Mere numbers won't help. The government should partner with local nurseries and involve school children for care and monitoring. 🌱
Good to see Chouhan ji taking climate action seriously. But will these trees be planted on farmlands where farmers can benefit? In MP we have seen many plantation drives where trees are planted in forests that later die due to lack of water. Need sustainable planning with rainwater harvesting integration.
I appreciate the sentiment but let's be honest - tree plantation alone won't solve climate change. We need to stop deforestation first! Every day I see news of forests being cleared for development projects. This feels like a PR exercise. Woh 'Vriksh Mitra Parivar' should also become a 'Vriksh Bachao Parivar'!
Great to see the government leading by example. The rainfall deficit reduction from 262 to 178 districts shows proactive management is working. But can we also talk about urban areas? In cities like Pune, builders are cutting centuries-old trees for new projects. The 'family' should also include strict enforcement of tree protection laws.
I work with an NGO in Rajasthan and tree plantation in arid zones needs specific techniques. Just planting any sapling won't work - we need drought-resistant species and proper irrigation. The minister should consult scientists from ICAR and forest departments before scaling up. Otherwise it's just a photo op.
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