A large-scale tree plantation campaign was launched in Gujarat on Saturday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated development projects and led a mass plantation drive in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), more than one crore trees were planted across the constituency in a single day, including around 50 lakh trees in Ahmedabad city. The initiative is part of the nationwide "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage public participation in environmental conservation.

Mass Plantation Drive Targets Higher Green Cover

Addressing the event, Amit Shah said the campaign aims to improve green cover, air quality, water conservation, and long-term environmental sustainability. He stated that Sanand, Gandhinagar, Kalol, and Ahmedabad have already increased their combined green cover by 11.23 percent. Authorities have set a target of raising it to 20 percent by 2029.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation also inaugurated 101 Oxygen Parks in one day. In the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, 61 new Oxygen Parks were opened, increasing the total number to 73. Officials said the plantation programme focuses on native tree species that are suited to local ecological conditions and have long life spans.

Development Projects and Public Participation

Amit Shah inaugurated 22 development projects and laid the foundation stones for seven others. According to the government, development works worth ₹28,492 crore have been completed across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The projects include investments in transport, urban infrastructure, and public services.

The government also announced the induction of 325 new AMTS and BRTS buses. Officials said the fleet is expected to reduce vehicle emissions and improve public transport efficiency. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has also introduced a doorstep sapling delivery service to encourage residents to plant trees.

Environmental Goals and National Context

During the programme, Home Minister said the Central Armed Police Forces have planted more than seven crore trees across India during the past seven years. He also encouraged households to adopt rooftop solar systems, noting that Gandhinagar has one of the highest levels of rooftop solar installations among Lok Sabha constituencies.

Environmental experts have consistently noted that expanding urban green spaces can help improve biodiversity, reduce heat island effects, and support climate resilience. However, long-term environmental benefits depend on tree survival rates, maintenance, and scientific monitoring after plantation campaigns.