Gujarat Ranks Third in India with Over 6 Crore Trees under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign has brought remarkable success to Gujarat, with the state planting more than 6.05 crore trees between June 4 and August 18, 2025. This achievement has placed Gujarat at the third position nationwide in tree plantation, setting a new milestone in increasing the state’s green cover. Uttar Pradesh leads with 32.51 crore plantations, followed by Rajasthan with 8 crore trees. Gujarat now aims to cross the 10 crore mark in the near future, according to State Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera.

A Nationwide Movement for Environmental Protection

The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative is not just a campaign but a people’s movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it on June 5, 2024, on World Environment Day, encouraging citizens to plant trees in the memory of their mothers. What started as a symbolic gesture has grown into a nationwide revolution, spreading across states and union territories.

In Gujarat, the campaign has been actively integrated with the annual Van Mahotsav, held during the monsoon season. Minister Mulubhai Bera highlighted that the movement has inspired citizens to connect emotional values with environmental protection, ensuring long-term care for planted trees.

India Sets a Global Record

According to official reports, more than 62 crore trees have been planted across 36 states and union territories between June and August 2025 under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” drive. This massive achievement has established India as a global leader in environmental action.

Minister Bera emphasized that the trees planted will not only help fight climate change but will also serve as habitats for wildlife and improve the quality of life for future generations.

A Tribute to Mothers through Tree Plantation

The campaign carries a deeply emotional element. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally inaugurated the state’s drive by planting a tree in the memory of his mother in Gandhinagar. Inspired by this, ministers, MLAs, MPs, officials, and ordinary citizens have been participating by planting trees dedicated to their mothers.

By combining personal emotions with environmental responsibility, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has successfully encouraged citizens to plant, preserve, and nurture saplings as a living memory of their mothers.

Gujarat’s Population and Plantation Efforts

State Forest and Environment Minister of State, Mukeshbhai Patel, shared that Gujarat’s position is particularly impressive when compared with population and land area.

  • Uttar Pradesh: 19.98 crore population, 2,40,928 sq. km area
  • Gujarat: 6 crore population, 1,96,024 sq. km area

Despite having a smaller population and landmass, Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in tree plantation. Patel credited this achievement to the collective efforts of environmentally conscious citizens and urged more people to join the mission.

Banaskantha Leads Among Districts

By August 18, 2025, Gujarat had planted 5.56 crore trees in rural areas and 49 lakh trees in urban areas. Among districts, Banaskantha took the lead with 61 lakh trees, followed by:

  • Tapi – over 48 lakh
  • Panchmahal – over 43 lakh
  • Valsad – over 41 lakh
  • Sabarkantha – over 40 lakh
  • Dang – over 35 lakh

Altogether, Gujarat’s 33 districts together contributed to the plantation of more than 6.05 crore trees under the campaign.

Citizens and Institutions Join Hands

Mukeshbhai Patel further noted that the campaign’s strength lies in public participation. With the support of the Forest Department, local panchayats, schools, social organizations, and citizens, the movement has turned into a statewide effort.

Planting trees in memory of mothers has motivated families, communities, and institutions alike. In both rural and urban Gujarat, people are coming together to increase green cover, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

Looking Ahead: Gujarat’s Target of 10 Crore Trees

Gujarat is not stopping at six crore plantations. With a set target of 10 crore trees, the government is encouraging every citizen to take part in the initiative. The administration is also working on monitoring and ensuring survival of the saplings, so that the campaign leaves a permanent impact rather than being symbolic.

This blend of emotional connection and environmental responsibility has made “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” one of the most impactful green initiatives in India’s history.

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Conclusion

The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign has proven that when emotions are tied with responsibility, people contribute wholeheartedly. Gujarat, by planting over six crore trees, has shown the power of collective action in addressing climate change and safeguarding the environment.

As the state moves towards its ambitious target of 10 crore plantations, it continues to inspire citizens across India. By turning tree plantation into a heartfelt tribute to mothers, the campaign has not only created a stronger bond with nature but also left a lasting legacy for future generations.