Union Agriculture Minister unveils a national roadmap linking tree plantation with family traditions, rural development, sustainable agriculture and Mission LiFE to build a Green India.

Key Highlights

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches an expanded ‘Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan’ to transform environmental protection into a nationwide people’s movement.
• Nearly 17,000 Vriksh Mitra from across India participate in the Environment Protection Resolve Programme at Pusa Complex, New Delhi.
• Every citizen encouraged to plant one tree annually and inspire five others to join the campaign.
• National, state, district, block and village-level ‘Vriksh Mitra Parivar’ committees to be established.
• Hariyali Amavasya (August 12) to become a nationwide Tree Festival with mass plantation drives.
• Panchayats and urban local bodies to identify dedicated plantation sites and ensure long-term tree protection.
• Campaign integrates Mission LiFE, water conservation, soil health, energy efficiency and plastic-free living.
• Initiative links environmental sustainability with agriculture, rural development and climate resilience.

New Delhi, July 12: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched an ambitious nationwide campaign to transform environmental conservation into a mass movement through the ‘Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan’, urging every citizen to actively participate in tree plantation and environmental protection.

Addressing nearly 17,000 ‘Vriksh Mitra’ from across the country during the Environment Protection Resolve Programme and Vriksh Mitra Samvad at the Pusa Complex in New Delhi, the Minister presented a comprehensive roadmap aimed at integrating tree plantation into everyday life, family traditions and community development.

The programme witnessed participation from environmental experts, agricultural scientists and thousands of volunteers joining both physically and virtually.

‘One Tree Every Year, Five New Vriksh Mitra’

At the heart of the campaign is a simple but scalable pledge.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan called upon every citizen to plant at least one tree every year and motivate five additional people to join the movement, creating a nationwide network of environmental volunteers.

He encouraged families to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, the birth of children and the memory of ancestors by planting trees, turning personal milestones into community-driven “Tree Festivals.”

The Minister said that if every Indian adopts this practice, the country can witness a transformative increase in green cover over the coming years.

National Structure for ‘Vriksh Mitra Parivar’

To ensure sustained implementation, the Minister announced plans to establish an organised ‘Vriksh Mitra Parivar’ with committees at the national, state, district, block and village levels.

Unlike a conventional organisation, the initiative is envisioned as a community-driven family network responsible for planning, monitoring and protecting plantations across the country.

The campaign will also develop its own digital platform and logo while leveraging social media to expand participation.

Hariyali Amavasya to Become India’s Tree Festival

A major highlight of the campaign is the proposal to celebrate Hariyali Amavasya on August 12 as a nationwide Tree Festival.

Citizens across India will be encouraged to plant trees on the day, while future plantation drives will also be linked to occasions such as World Environment Day, Independence Day, Republic Day and Govardhan Puja, blending environmental action with India’s cultural traditions.

Focus on Tree Survival, Not Just Plantation

Emphasising that tree plantation alone is insufficient, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the importance of ensuring the survival and growth of saplings.

He proposed that panchayats and urban local bodies earmark dedicated plantation sites where communities can collectively nurture and protect trees over the long term.

The Minister said environmental success should be measured by healthy growing trees rather than ceremonial plantation events.

Linking Environment with Agriculture

The campaign also highlights the close relationship between environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan warned that declining soil fertility, water scarcity and climate change pose long-term challenges to farmers and food security.

He advocated balanced use of natural resources, water conservation, soil health management and environmentally sustainable farming practices to safeguard agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.

Mission LiFE and Sustainable Living

The Minister urged citizens to adopt the principles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) by making environmentally responsible behaviour a part of daily life.

He encouraged simple yet impactful actions such as:

• Conserving electricity through energy-efficient appliances.
• Preventing water wastage.
• Segregating household waste.
• Reducing plastic consumption.
• Promoting local and sustainable food choices.

According to the Minister, behavioural change at the household level can collectively create significant environmental benefits.

Experts Call for Behavioural Change

Environmentalist Padma Bhushan Anil Joshi praised the initiative as a long-term societal movement rather than merely a plantation campaign. He revealed that researchers are studying Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s environmental initiatives as a case study to understand their long-term ecological impact.

Renowned physician and environmental advocate Dr. Anoop Hazela highlighted the urgent need to address climate change through practical actions, including water conservation, recycling, energy efficiency and the concept of “Plant One Tree, Adopt One Tree,” encouraging citizens to care for existing trees even if they cannot plant new ones.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

The Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan has significant implications for India’s hospitality, tourism and travel sectors, where sustainability is becoming a key driver of destination competitiveness. Increased tree cover enhances the attractiveness of tourist destinations, improves urban aesthetics and strengthens eco-tourism opportunities across rural and natural landscapes.

Hotels, resorts, homestays and tourism businesses are increasingly adopting green practices under ESG and sustainable tourism frameworks. The campaign encourages hospitality operators to integrate tree plantation, water conservation, waste reduction and energy-efficient operations into their sustainability strategies.

The initiative also aligns with the growing demand from domestic and international travellers for environmentally responsible destinations. Greener public spaces, healthier ecosystems and improved climate resilience can enhance visitor experiences while supporting nature tourism, rural tourism and community-based tourism initiatives. For the food and hospitality sector, the campaign’s focus on soil conservation, sustainable agriculture and local biodiversity also contributes to stronger farm-to-table supply chains and long-term environmental resilience.