NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin participated in a large-scale plantation drive at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, and urged citizens to actively contribute to environmental conservation through tree plantation and care. The programme was organized by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) as part of the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the event, Nitin Nabin planted a Peepal sapling and highlighted the importance of environmental protection, sustainable development, and respect for mothers. The campaign encourages people across the country to plant a tree in honor of their mothers and nurture it as a symbol of gratitude and responsibility towards nature.
Several prominent leaders and officials attended the programme, including Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra, NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, council members, senior NDMC officials, and local residents. Participants planted saplings in the names of their mothers and pledged to support environmental conservation efforts through sustained plantation activities.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of “Paryavaran Praharis” or Environmental Guardians by Nitin Nabin. These individuals and organizations were recognized for their significant contributions to environmental protection and greenery management within the NDMC area. The awardees included representatives of Resident Welfare Associations, Market Traders Associations, gardeners, citizens, and officials who have actively participated in plantation drives and the maintenance of green spaces.
Nitin Nabin also interacted with employees of the NDMC Horticulture Department and previous participants of the campaign. He listened to their experiences and appreciated their efforts in preserving and expanding green cover in the national capital.
Addressing the media after the plantation drive, Nitin Nabin said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative has transformed into a nationwide movement. He noted that the campaign has succeeded in combining environmental awareness with an emotional connection, inspiring people to plant trees in memory and honor of their mothers.
According to him, the initiative has encouraged millions of citizens to participate in environmental conservation while strengthening family values and social responsibility. He emphasized that tree plantation is not only an ecological necessity but also a meaningful way to preserve the memories and contributions of mothers.
Calling for greater public participation, Nitin Nabin urged citizens to strengthen the campaign further. He said that if India aims to leave a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment for future generations, tree plantation must become a mass movement. He stressed that planting saplings alone is not sufficient and that equal attention must be given to protecting and nurturing them to ensure long-term environmental benefits.
Speaking on the occasion, NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal said that this year marks the second anniversary of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day in 2024. He described the initiative as a unique movement that links environmental conservation with respect and gratitude towards mothers.
Chahal said the campaign has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement over the past two years. By encouraging citizens to plant trees in their mothers’ names and take responsibility for their care, the initiative has strengthened public participation in environmental protection efforts.
He added that the campaign represents much more than a simple plantation drive. According to him, it symbolizes society’s emotional and social commitment to both nature and motherhood. NDMC continues to organize plantation activities regularly, including weekly drives every Sunday and special programmes throughout the year to expand green cover in the capital.
Highlighting NDMC’s environmental achievements, Chahal stated that the civic body serves an area of nearly 42.74 square kilometres and remains committed to green development, sanitation, beautification, and sustainable urban growth. He noted that despite covering only around three percent of Delhi’s geographical area, nearly 55 percent of the NDMC region consists of green spaces.
NDMC currently manages approximately 1,450 acres of green area, including some of Delhi’s most prominent parks such as Nehru Park, Lodhi Garden, and Sanjay Lake. These green zones play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and improving urban living conditions.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from NDMC’s Horticulture and Sanitation Departments, along with women, youth, and local residents. Organizers said the strong public response reflected growing awareness about environmental conservation and reinforced the campaign’s status as a people-driven movement aimed at creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for India.
