Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s innovative environmental campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ has emerged as a global model for community-driven afforestation, with youth representatives from nine countries expressing interest in adopting the initiative in their own nations.
Launched under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the campaign has combined emotional appeal with environmental action, encouraging citizens to plant trees in the name of their mothers.
Record-Breaking Plantation Drive
On July 9, 2025, Uttar Pradesh set a world record by planting over 37 crore saplings in a single day. Over the past nine years, the state has planted more than 2.42 billion trees, marking one of the largest afforestation efforts globally.
Officials say the campaign’s success lies in its ability to connect environmental responsibility with cultural values, turning plantation drives into a mass movement.
Global Praise at BRICS Youth Summit
The campaign received international attention during a virtual summit organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, where youth delegates from BRICS nations—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, discussed climate change and sustainability.
Participants praised the Uttar Pradesh model, noting that initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ go beyond slogans by creating an emotional bond between people and nature. Several delegates expressed willingness to replicate similar campaigns in their own countries.
Youth Voices and Local Representation
The summit also featured participation from Indian youth, including Aman Kumar from Baghpat, who represented Uttar Pradesh and advocated for greater public involvement in environmental conservation.
Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal highlighted that such emotionally resonant campaigns are more effective in creating long-term impact. “When people feel personally connected, the movement sustains itself. Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated how development and environmental protection can go hand in hand,” she said.
From Local Initiative to Global Inspiration
The campaign has evolved beyond a government programme into a broader social movement rooted in culture, sensitivity, and collective responsibility. It underscores the importance of engaging communities in climate action at a time when the world faces increasing environmental challenges.
With growing international recognition, Uttar Pradesh’s afforestation model is now being seen as a replicable blueprint—showing how local initiatives can inspire global change.
