Dial One Number, Plant a Tree: Gujarat’s Digital Forest Helpline Goes Live

AHMEDABAD: Finding a nearby Gujarat Forest Department nursery is now just a missed call away. In a citizen-friendly move aimed at boosting tree plantation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Gujarat Forest Department has launched a digital helpline that instantly connects people with their nearest forest nursery, officials and other forest-related services.

Citizens only need to give a missed call to 8320002000. The call disconnects automatically, after which an SMS containing a web link is sent to their mobile phone. The link provides the location of the nearest forest nursery on Google Maps, along with contact details of the concerned forest officials. Sending a “Hi” via SMS or WhatsApp to the same number also opens a digital menu offering information on all forest nurseries, Range Forest Officers (RFOs), eco-tourism destinations and other Forest Department services.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the initiative reflects the Gujarat government’s commitment to making saplings easily accessible to every citizen.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Forest Department has made extensive arrangements for sapling distribution. This year alone, the department has raised 11.80 crore seedlings for public distribution,” he said.

Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali said the in-house digital platform has simplified access to forest services while enabling faster grievance redressal.

According to S. K. Srivastava, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Training), the helpline already receives 30 to 40 missed calls daily, with the platform designed for quick updates based on public needs.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) R. K. Sugoor said citizens can purchase quality saplings at ₹5 to ₹15, depending on their size, from any of Gujarat’s 453 forest nurseries. Polybag seedlings are distributed free in eligible cases, while those seeking subsidised or free saplings should contact the concerned RFO or Deputy Conservator of Forests.

For wildlife rescue requests and other urgent grievances, citizens can continue to use the Forest Department’s toll-free helpline 1926, making Gujarat’s forest services more accessible than ever before.