SHIMLA-14^th July, 2026-Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the world was facing serious challenges including climate change, rising temperatures and environmental pollution. He emphasized that large-scale plantation drives, coupled with active public participation in environmental conservation, offer one of the simplest and most effective solutions to these global concerns.

The Governor was speaking after launching the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation campaign, organised by Prarthana Social Welfare Society at Jutogh Cantonment here today. He planted an Araucaria sapling in the cantonment premises.

Congratulating the Society for organizing the campaign, Shri Gupta said the initiative was much more than a tree plantation programme. He described it as an emotional and national movement that reflects India's cultural values while expressing gratitude to both nature and mothers.

He said that the love, care and protection provided by a mother were reflected in the role of trees, which sustain life by giving clean air, conserving water, providing shade and fruits and maintaining ecological balance. Planting a tree in the name of one's mother is a meaningful way of showing gratitude to both life and nature.

The Governor said that respect for nature had always been an important part of Indian civilization. Referring to the Vedas and Upanishads, he said that the Earth is regarded as Mother and trees as life-givers. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has grown into a nationwide people's movement that promotes environmental protection while encouraging respect and gratitude towards mothers.

Shri Gupta also highlighted Himachal Pradesh's rich natural heritage, including its forests, Himalayan mountains, rivers and biodiversity. He said these valuable resources must be protected through collective efforts.

He called upon the students and young people to lead the way in environmental conservation as they were the nation builder and the future of the country. He urged them not only to plant saplings but also to care for them until they grow into healthy trees, adding that the true success of the campaign depends on the survival and growth of every tree planted.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized the need for greater awareness and stronger action towards environmental protection. He appreciated the efforts of the Society in promoting green initiatives and added that though development was essential, it must be pursued through the principles of sustainable development without compromising the environment.

The Minister also suggested that every student should adopt a sapling and take responsibility for its care, ensuring the protection of every tree planted. He further said that rapid urbanization and diminishing forest habitats have compelled wild animals to move closer to human settlements, making environmental conservation even more critical.

Later, the Governor also visited the Cantonment Museum, where he was honoured by the Commanding Officer.

President of Prarthana Social Welfare Society Himesh Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.

Station Commander Jutogh Brigadier Inderveer Rana, Chief Executive Officer, Jutogh Cantonment Nishant Gupta Commanding Officer, 1 JAK Rifles, Colonel Sachin Kumar, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya Jutogh Mohit Kumar students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.