Chhattisgarh News: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai inaugurated the Forest Festival 2026 by planting a Peepal tree in Naya Raipur in the name of his mother. This marked the beginning of the state-wide “People for People” campaign. As part of the campaign, over 2,500 Peepal trees were planted across approximately 15 acres. The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the state to join the “One Tree for Mother” campaign and play an active role in environmental protection.
Target to Plant 25 Million Trees This Year
The Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh has set a target of planting 25 million trees this year. He added that over 70 million trees have been planted across the state in the last two years. He emphasized that tree plantation will be considered successful only if the planted trees are protected responsibly.
Peepal tree described as a symbol of environment and faith
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai stated that trees are considered life-giving in Indian culture, and the Peepal tree is a symbol of faith, spiritual consciousness, and environmental protection. He said that Peepal is considered one of the most oxygen-producing trees and plays an important role in conserving biodiversity. He urged citizens to plant and nurture at least one tree in their homes, fields, schools, workplaces, or nearby vacant land.
‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ becomes a mass movement
The Chief Minister said that the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now become a mass movement. By linking environmental protection with respect for mothers, this campaign has increased people’s sense of responsibility and belonging towards nature. He said that if every citizen plants and protects at least one tree every year, a major change in environmental protection is possible.
Mentioned Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s pledge
The Chief Minister also mentioned Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s pledge to plant a tree every day. He said that if planting a tree outside is not possible on some day, he fulfills his pledge by planting a tree in a pot. The Chief Minister called this an inspiring example of dedication and discipline towards nature.
Forest Minister also called for tree plantation
Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the ‘People for People’ campaign is not just a tree planting program, but a pledge to create a clean, green, and healthy future. He explained that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, approximately 75 million trees have been planted in the state in the last two years. He urged people to plant a tree along with hoisting the tricolor on Independence Day.
Public representatives and officials also planted trees
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma, Forest Development Corporation Chairman Ramsevak Paikra, along with several ministers, public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens participated in the program. They all planted peepal trees and took a collective pledge to protect and preserve the environment.