Gujarat Ranks Third in Tree Plantation with 6.05 Crore Trees

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — Gujarat has set a remarkable benchmark in environmental conservation, planting over 6.05 crore trees under the nationwide ‘Ek Pad Ma Ke Naam’ campaign between June 4 and August 18, 2025. With this achievement, the state ranks third in India, following Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, while aiming for a target of 10 crore trees in the near future.

The milestone was highlighted during the celebration of ‘Van Mahotsav 2025’, a state-wide tree plantation drive held annually during the monsoon season.

Gujarat’s Green Push

Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera said the campaign has transformed into a true public movement in Gujarat. “Planting over six crore trees is not just a number – it is a promise to future generations. These trees will prove to be a blessing for human life and wildlife habitats in the years to come,” he stated.

Mulubhai added that the initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and carried forward under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, has given Gujarat recognition as one of India’s leading states in tree plantation.

National Achievement, Local Leadership

India as a whole has planted over 62 crore trees across 36 states and union territories since the campaign’s launch on World Environment Day in June 2024. Uttar Pradesh leads with 32.5 crore plantations, while Rajasthan ranks second with 8 crore.

Despite having a smaller population and geographical area compared to these states, Gujarat’s figures are significant. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Mukeshbhai Patel said, “With just 6 crore people and 1.96 lakh sq km of area, Gujarat’s contribution is extraordinary. This achievement is thanks to the environment-loving people of the state.”

Banaskantha Leads the Way

Of Gujarat’s 6.05 crore plantations, 5.56 crore trees were planted in rural areas and 49 lakh in urban regions. Banaskantha district, known for its desert-border geography, emerged as the frontrunner with 61 lakh trees planted. Other top-performing districts include Tapi (48 lakh), Panchmahal (43 lakh), Valsad (41 lakh), Sabarkantha (40 lakh), and Dang (35 lakh).

Mukeshbhai Patel praised the collective effort, noting that Gram Panchayats, educational and voluntary institutions, and ordinary citizens have participated wholeheartedly. “From rural to urban Gujarat, people have planted trees in memory of their mothers, ensuring emotional and environmental value,” he said.

A Campaign Rooted in Sentiment

The uniqueness of the campaign lies in its personal connection. Each plantation is dedicated to one’s mother – hence the name ‘Ek Pad Ma Ke Naam.’ CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the drive by planting a tree in memory of his mother in Gandhinagar.

“This campaign is not just about planting trees; it is about nurturing memories and protecting our environment,” said a forest department official. “When people plant in memory of their mothers, they feel responsible to care for the sapling until it grows strong.”