‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Gains Momentum as Indore Begins 21 Lakh Sapling Plantation Drive

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday launched a major environmental campaign in Indore aimed at addressing climate change and water scarcity through large-scale plantation and rainwater conservation efforts.

As part of the initiative, the city will witness the planting of 21 lakh saplings and the installation of 51,000 rainwater harvesting units during the monsoon season. Addressing the gathering, Yadav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has developed into a nationwide movement focused on environmental protection.

Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, the chief minister said concerns over the impact of El Niño on monsoon patterns have increased, making conservation efforts more important. He said planting trees remains one of the most effective ways to maintain ecological balance. Yadav also highlighted the state government’s “Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan” , under which nearly 2.75 lakh water conservation projects worth around ₹10,000 crore have been undertaken this year.

State Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya , who is leading the plantation campaign in Indore, said preparations have been made for planting 22.5 lakh saplings , exceeding the targeted number. He added that the rainwater harvesting drive aims to improve groundwater availability after the city faced a severe water shortage this summer, with nearly 80% of borewells drying up .

Indore, recognised as India’s cleanest city, has a population of over 35 lakh people and depends largely on the Narmada River for drinking water. Water is transported from Jalud in neighbouring Khargone district through an approximately 80-km pipeline and supplied to residents on alternate days.

During the event, Yadav also felicitated BSF constables Ravi Chauhan and Ramendra Singh for their bravery during an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, announcing a reward of ₹2 lakh each for their courage despite sustaining injuries in an IED blast. State BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel were also present at the programme.