Imphal: The Manipur Forest, Department today launched the nationwide plantation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Complex, Imphal, coinciding with the observance of World Environment Day.
The Ceremonial Tree Plantation by the dignitaries, officials and staff of the department, athletes and students of SAI etc was the main highlight of the launching event.
Speaking at the launch programme, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Manipur, Anurag Bajpai, stated that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is not merely an event but a campaign aimed at renewing the collective pledge to protect and conserve ‘Mother Nature’ with love, care and responsibility. He said the campaign, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in 2024, has now entered its third consecutive year, hence the title “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0”.
Highlighting the significance of the campaign, Bajpai said that every generation requires a healthy environment, adequate green cover and a stable climate. Therefore, protecting nature is a shared responsibility of all citizens and not the duty of any single individual, department or government alone. He added that India is leading this environmental movement under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Referring to the achievements of Manipur under the campaign, he informed that against the target of 50 lakh saplings in 2024, the State planted around 54 lakh saplings. In 2025, against a target of 34 lakh saplings, around 60 lakh saplings were planted. For the current year, Manipur has been assigned a target of 45 lakh saplings, and the State is expected to plant nearly 70 lakh saplings.
He further stated that Manipur continues to maintain around 74 percent forest cover, as assessed scientifically through satellite imagery by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. While development projects such as roads, railways, schools and hospitals may sometimes require the diversion of green areas, compensatory afforestation measures are undertaken to ensure that the State’s overall forest cover is maintained and enhanced, he added.
Bajpai stressed the importance of creating awareness among the younger generation regarding environmental conservation. He said Mother Nature, like a mother, provides shelter, protection and sustenance to all, and therefore, deserves care and protection from every citizen.
The PCCF informed that the launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” marks the beginning of the plantation season in the State, which will continue till August-September. He further stated that during Van Mahotsav, to be observed from coming July 1 to July 7, more than 8 to 9 lakh saplings are expected to be planted across the State with active public participation.
Appealing to the people of Manipur, he urged every citizen to plant at least one sapling in their home premises or any available space and encourage their children to do the same as a symbol of commitment towards environmental protection.
An important feature of this year’s campaign, he noted, is the inclusion of orphanages across all districts of the State. He said the initiative seeks to help children residing in orphanages feel connected to and cared for by Mother Nature
Bajpai also appealed to the media to disseminate information about the campaign widely so that people from all walks of life, including government employees, students, civil society organisations and NGOs, actively participate in the movement for the benefit of present and future generations. Other dignitaries also participated in tree plantation at today’s function.
