Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Plants Peepal Sapling in His Mother’s Name, Launches Van Mahotsav 2026
Peepal for People’ Campaign Begins with Plantation of Over 2,500 Peepal Saplings Across 15 Acres
Join the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign and Take a Pledge to Protect Nature: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur, August 5, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated Van Mahotsav 2026 by planting a Peepal sapling in his mother’s name during a large-scale plantation programme held in Nava Raipur on August 5. He also launched the statewide “Peepal for People” campaign, under which more than 2,500 Peepal saplings were planted across nearly 15 acres. On the occasion, he appealed to the people of the state to join the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and actively contribute to environmental conservation by planting and protecting more trees.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that protecting nature is not only an environmental necessity but also a responsibility towards India’s cultural heritage and future generations. He said that trees have always been regarded as life-givers in Indian culture, while the Peepal tree symbolises faith, spiritual consciousness, and environmental conservation. He added that the Peepal is considered among the highest oxygen-producing trees and plays an important role in preserving biodiversity.
Shri Sai said that the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, has grown into a nationwide people’s movement by linking environmental conservation with respect for mothers. He said the campaign has strengthened society’s emotional connection with nature and inspired greater environmental responsibility. In Chhattisgarh, more than 7 crore saplings have been planted over the past two years, while the State has set a target of planting 2.5 crore saplings this year.
Emphasising that tree plantation is meaningful only when saplings are nurtured and protected, the Chief Minister urged citizens to plant a tree in their mother’s name at their homes, farms, schools, workplaces, or any suitable open space and take responsibility for its care. He said every sapling planted today will contribute to clean air, a healthier environment, and a secure future.
Highlighting the growing challenge of climate change, Shri Sai said rising temperatures, pollution, and increasing pressure on natural resources have become serious global concerns. In such circumstances, he said, tree plantation remains one of the simplest and most effective solutions. He urged every citizen to plant and protect at least one tree every year to bring about meaningful environmental change.
The Chief Minister also referred to the lifelong pledge of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to plant one sapling every day. He said that even when outdoor plantation is not possible, Shri Chouhan fulfils his commitment by planting a sapling in a pot, describing it as an inspiring example of dedication and discipline towards nature that can motivate society to adopt similar practices.
Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign is being expanded across the state with active public participation. He said the “Peepal for People” campaign is not merely a plantation drive but a commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and healthier future.
Shri Kashyap said the Peepal tree represents a unique confluence of faith and science. While it is revered as sacred in Indian tradition, it also plays a significant scientific role in improving air quality by absorbing large quantities of carbon dioxide and helping reduce urban pollution. He informed that nearly 7.5 crore saplings have been planted across the state under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign over the past two years. He also urged citizens to plant a tree along with hoisting the National Flag at their homes on Independence Day as a message of environmental conservation.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary, Food Minister Shri Dayal Das Baghel, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, MLA Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Forest Development Corporation Shri Ramsevak Paikra, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Climate Change Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Shri Arun Kumar Pandey, members of the Council of Ministers, public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens planted Peepal saplings and collectively pledged to protect the environment.
