Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah launches a ‘mass plantation drive’ and inaugurate as well as lays the foundation stones for various development projects in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat.

Why in news

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched a ‘mass plantation drive’ and inaugurated/laid foundation stones for various development projects in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat, where over one crore trees were planted as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.

Exam relevance

GS3, GS2 · Environment & Ecology, Governance, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The 'mass plantation drive' was launched by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat.
2. The drive is inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and his mantra of ‘People, Planet with Progress’.
3. Over one crore trees were planted in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency alone on the day of the launch.
4. Areas including Sanand, Gandhinagar, Kalol, and Ahmedabad have collectively increased their green cover by 11.23%.
5. The target for these areas is to achieve 20% green cover by 2029.
6. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation inaugurated 101 Oxygen Parks in a single day.
7. This people-led plantation drive aims to reduce Ahmedabad's temperature by at least 5% compared to other cities.
8. The objective of this mega campaign is to create a greener environment, clean air, pure water, and a livable planet.
9. CAPF personnel have planted over seven crore trees across the country over the past seven years.

Prelims pointers

• The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative is a call by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
• The target for increasing green cover in Sanand, Gandhinagar, Kalol, and Ahmedabad is 20% by 2029.
• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation inaugurated 101 Oxygen Parks in one day.
• The plantation drive aims to reduce Ahmedabad's temperature by at least 5%.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of public participation and government initiatives in achieving ambitious environmental targets, with specific reference to urban greening and climate resilience. (150 words)

Static linkage

This initiative links to broader national efforts for environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and promoting public participation in ecological restoration. It aligns with the concept of sustainable development and urban greening strategies to combat pollution and urban heat island effects.

Significance

The mass plantation drive signifies a strong commitment towards enhancing green cover and combating environmental degradation at a local level. It promotes community involvement and transforms environmental conservation into a people's movement, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Such initiatives contribute to improving air quality, reducing urban temperatures, preserving biodiversity, and creating healthier living environments. The involvement of CAPF personnel also highlights a multi-sectoral approach to environmental stewardship.