Union Agriculture Minister urges citizens to make tree planting a lifelong habit, linking environmental protection with water security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Key Highlights

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a tree in Bhopal on World Environment Day.
• Event held under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
• Minister called for environment protection to become a people’s movement.
• Highlighted links between trees, water conservation, biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Shared his personal commitment of planting a tree every day for over five years.
• Citizens encouraged to plant trees during birthdays, anniversaries and family milestones.
• Campaign continues to gain participation from youth and local communities.

World Environment Day: Centre Renews Call for Community-Led Tree Plantation and Sustainable Living

Bhopal, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan renewed the government’s call for greater public participation in environmental conservation, urging citizens to make tree plantation a regular part of daily life.

Participating in the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at Smart City Park in Bhopal, the minister planted a sapling and highlighted the critical role of trees in safeguarding biodiversity, water resources and ecological balance.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said environmental protection must move beyond awareness campaigns and become a mass movement driven by citizen participation. He emphasised that trees play a vital role in sustaining life by supporting rainfall patterns, protecting soil health, preserving rivers and maintaining biodiversity.

The minister noted that environmental conservation is directly linked to the well-being of future generations and called on individuals to take personal responsibility for protecting natural resources.

During the programme, Chouhan reflected on a banyan tree he had planted at the same location in 2021 as part of his personal pledge to plant a tree every day. He said the growth of the tree over the past five years symbolises how small individual actions can create long-term environmental benefits.

Drawing parallels between nurturing trees and raising children, he stressed that sustained care and commitment are essential for both environmental and social development.

The minister also encouraged citizens to associate tree plantation with important life events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and commemorative occasions. He noted that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has inspired millions of people across India to plant trees in honour of their mothers, transforming a symbolic gesture into a nationwide environmental initiative.

According to Chouhan, the campaign has evolved from a personal commitment into a broader public movement, with growing participation from children, youth and community groups. He added that increasing environmental awareness among younger generations is an encouraging sign for India’s sustainability goals.

The event formed part of broader World Environment Day activities aimed at promoting climate awareness, ecological restoration and citizen-led environmental action.

What It Means for Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

The growing emphasis on environmental conservation and tree plantation aligns closely with evolving trends in India’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

As travellers increasingly seek eco-friendly destinations and sustainable travel experiences, initiatives that enhance green cover, biodiversity and environmental quality can strengthen the attractiveness of both urban and rural tourism destinations.

Hotels, resorts and tourism operators across India are increasingly incorporating sustainability practices into their operations, including afforestation drives, carbon reduction programmes, water conservation initiatives and community-based environmental projects.

Campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ also support the development of eco-tourism, wellness tourism and nature-based travel experiences that are gaining popularity among domestic and international visitors.

For destinations dependent on natural assets—from forests and wildlife reserves to hill stations and rural tourism circuits—environmental conservation remains a critical factor in ensuring long-term tourism growth and resilience.

With sustainability becoming a key decision-making factor for travellers and hospitality brands alike, community-driven environmental initiatives are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping India’s tourism future.

Source: PIB | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | June 5, 2026

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