Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree-planting initiative by planting a sapling at his official residence in Lucknow.
The campaign seeks to increase forest cover and enhance environmental protection across the region. By linking ecological restoration with a personal tribute to motherhood, the initiative aims to mobilize public participation in combating climate change through large-scale afforestation.
The event took place on June 5, 2026, coinciding with World Environment Day. Adityanath said green initiatives in urban and rural landscapes are necessary to ensure sustainable development for future generations.
This initiative also served as a celebration of Adityanath's 54th birthday [1]. The choice of the date allows the state government to align regional environmental goals with global awareness efforts centered on the planet's health.
Officials said that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ drive encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers, fostering a sentimental connection to nature. This approach is designed to ensure higher survival rates for the saplings, as individuals are more likely to nurture trees they have a personal emotional investment in.
The planting ceremony at the Lucknow residence marks the start of a wider campaign across Uttar Pradesh. The state government intends to use this momentum to expand green belts, and reduce the carbon footprint of the state's growing industrial sectors.
“‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree-planting initiative”
The alignment of a high-profile political birthday with World Environment Day suggests a strategic effort to blend personal leadership branding with public policy. By framing environmentalism through the lens of family and filial piety, the administration is attempting to transition ecological conservation from a bureaucratic requirement to a social and emotional movement.
