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 , 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.
