Agriculture Minister Advocates Large-Scale Tree Plantation for a Greener Future

Call for a Nationwide Tree Plantation Drive

On Sunday, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged for a significant tree plantation initiative across the country to foster a greener future. Speaking at the 'Environmental Protection Commitment' and 'Tree Friends Dialogue' event held at the Pusa campus in New Delhi, Chouhan emphasized that every family should engage in planting trees during special occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, the birth of children, and in memory of deceased parents. This approach could transform personal celebrations into a 'Tree Festival'.

Chouhan encouraged every 'Tree Friend' to plant at least one tree annually and to involve five others in this initiative. He also urged participants to share their commitments on social media to establish a robust network by August 12, coinciding with 'Green Amavasya'.

To institutionalize this environmental protection effort, the minister unveiled a comprehensive action plan based on discussions with Tree Friends and their suggestions. According to an official statement, he proposed the formation of 'Tree Friend Family' committees at national, state, district, block, and village levels to provide a structured framework for the campaign. He also mentioned the inclusion of tree planting in various programs under the Prime Minister's Rural Road Scheme, the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme, the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, and initiatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.