At the Eco-Warrior Awards 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s record-breaking afforestation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” took center stage, bagging the Innovative Initiatives Award for its historic tree plantation drive under Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sunil Chaudhary. The initiative has planted a staggering 210 crore trees, making it one of the largest community-driven green movements in the world.
From Slogan to Mass Movement
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day (June 5, 2024), “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” went beyond being a government program — it became a people’s movement. In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally mobilized communities, participating in plantation drives and directly addressing 58,000 Gram Pradhans to spread the message.
210 Crore Trees and Counting
Since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has added over 5 lakh acres of green cover. In 2024 alone, the state planted 52 crore trees, including a record-breaking 37 crore saplings in a single day (July 9).
“This is not just a campaign, it is a green revolution,” said PCCF Sunil Chaudhary, speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds. “It’s an emotional appeal — planting a tree in your mother’s name and for our Mother Earth. That’s why it’s working.”
Science and Tech at the Heart of the Campaign
What sets this initiative apart is its technology-led monitoring system. Each sapling is geo-tagged, monitored through polygon mapping, drones, and satellite imagery. A Command and Control Center tracks survival rates, while third-party audits by FSI and FRI ensure transparency.
Community Participation Like Never Before
This drive has united farmers, students, officials, and citizens in a single green mission. Over 1900 nurseries produced 54 crore saplings distributed through 26 departments, making it a true example of public-private partnership and community-driven conservation.
Tree plantations are themed to honor national heroes like Birsa Munda and Sardar Patel, creating cultural and emotional connections with local communities.
Vision 2030 – A Greener Uttar Pradesh
Currently at 9.96% green cover, the Forest Department plans to reach 15% by 2030, in line with India’s National Afforestation Policy. “It’s not just about planting trees — it’s about protecting them, nurturing them, and inspiring generations,” Mr. Chaudhary emphasized.
Recognition at Eco-Warrior Awards 2025
Winning the Innovative Initiatives Award at the Eco-Warrior Awards 2025 marks a milestone for Uttar Pradesh, establishing it as a national model for afforestation and sustainable forest governance.
“When you plant a tree in your mother’s name, you protect it, you nurture it — that’s what makes this initiative so powerful,” Mr. Chaudhary said with a smile.