- Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal Launches Campaign from Ambikapur; Inaugurates Boundary Wall and Open Gym Alongside Tree Plantation at Sargawan
Carrying forward Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s nationwide tree plantation campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name), the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board launched the initiative in Ambikapur with the aim of nature conservation, environmental enrichment, and honoring motherhood. A program featuring tree plantation and the inauguration of various development works was held at the Atal Vihar Scheme in Sargawan, presided over by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts, and Endowments, Shri Rajesh Agrawal.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal stated that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is not merely a tree-planting event but a pledge rooted in emotion and public spirit—expressing respect for mothers and a sense of responsibility towards nature. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all to give this campaign—initiated at the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi—a widespread reach through public participation. The true success of this campaign lies in every individual planting a sapling in honor of their mother and nurturing it until it grows into a full-fledged tree.
He noted that 7.25 crore saplings have already been planted across the state under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He mentioned that there had been persistent requests for a boundary wall in the colony; thanks to the initiative taken by the Housing Board Chairman, the construction of the wall has been completed and is being inaugurated today. He added that tree plantation had also been carried out here last year under the same campaign, and the saplings planted then—nurtured by the colony residents—have now grown into trees. Campaign to Extend to Other Housing Schemes and Colonies
Shri Anurag Singh Deo, Chairman of the Housing Board, stated that the national tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name)—initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi—would not be limited to a single event but would be implemented in a phased manner across other housing schemes and colonies of the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board.
He remarked that this campaign, which began in Ambikapur, would inspire every family and the community to plant a sapling in honor of their mothers and pledge to nurture it, alongside promoting environmental conservation. The Board aims to enhance green cover within its various housing schemes, making the colonies cleaner, more beautiful, greener, and eco-friendly. Through this campaign, the initiative seeks to foster public participation in tree plantation while prioritizing the conservation and nurturing of trees.
- Construction and Development of 251 Units Across 9.70 Acres
During the event, a boundary wall and an open gym were inaugurated alongside the tree plantation drive at the Atal Vihar scheme in Sargawan. The Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board has executed the construction and development of 251 housing units on 9.70 acres of land in Sargawan at a cost of approximately ₹3,859.22 lakh. These include 14 HIG, 12 Sr. MIG, 40 Jr. MIG, 63 LIG, and 122 EWS units.
Remaining construction and development works under the scheme, including the boundary wall and WMM (Wet Mix Macadam) roads, have also been completed. The inauguration of these facilities will provide colony residents with a better living environment and access to essential basic amenities.
- Children Convey Message of Environmental Conservation Through Cultural Performances
Young children from the colony presented cultural performances conveying the importance of trees and the message of environmental conservation. Their performances not only raised awareness about protecting the environment but also effectively highlighted the emotional sentiment behind the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The event was presided over by Shri Chintamani Maharaj, Member of Parliament (MP) from Surguja. Distinguished guests present at the event included Ambikapur Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, Sarguja Zila Panchayat President Smt. Nirupa Singh, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Harminder Singh Tinni, Sarguja Zila Panchayat Member Smt. Divya Singh Sisodia, Shri Bharat Singh Sisodia, and Shri Akhilesh Soni, along with other public representatives, prominent citizens, and colony residents.
At the conclusion of the program, the public representatives and association officials present pledged to advance the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign with widespread public participation and committed to planting and nurturing the maximum number of saplings.