Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will participate in the ‘Paryavaran Sanrakshan Sankalp’ programme at the ICAR-PUSA Campus in New Delhi on Sunday, reinforcing the Centre’s emphasis on environmental conservation through mass public participation. The event is expected to bring together nearly 17,000 Vriksh Mitras from across the country, creating a nationwide platform to promote sustainable environmental practices and community-driven ecological initiatives.
The programme, scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM at Subrahmanyam Hall in the PUSA Campus, will witness the physical presence of over 500 Vriksh Mitras, while more than 16,000 participants from different states will join virtually. The gathering aims to strengthen grassroots efforts in tree plantation, water conservation, and ecological restoration while encouraging citizens to take greater responsibility for protecting natural resources.
Promoting Environmental Protection as a People’s Movement
A key objective of the programme is to transform environmental conservation into a nationwide public movement by encouraging active citizen participation. During the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to highlight the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and underline the role of communities in preserving ecological balance.
The interaction with Vriksh Mitras will provide an opportunity to showcase successful local initiatives that have contributed to greener landscapes, improved water conservation, and restoration of degraded ecosystems. By bringing together volunteers and environmental champions from across the country, the programme seeks to inspire similar efforts in other regions.
Environmental Experts to Share Their Perspectives
The event will also feature renowned environmentalists Anil Joshi and Anoop Hajela, who will share their insights on environmental conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, and the importance of community participation in addressing ecological concerns.
Their discussions are expected to focus on practical strategies for protecting forests, conserving water, and promoting environmentally responsible development. The participation of leading experts is intended to encourage greater awareness of sustainable practices and strengthen collaboration between policymakers, environmental organisations, and local communities.
Dialogue with Vriksh Mitras from Across India
One of the highlights of the programme will be Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s interaction with Vriksh Mitras representing different states. During the session, participants will share their experiences and success stories related to afforestation, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration.
The Minister is expected to engage in detailed discussions on innovative community-led initiatives that have delivered measurable environmental benefits. The exchange of ideas is aimed at identifying best practices that can be replicated in different parts of the country to support long-term environmental sustainability.
The Vriksh Mitras participating in the programme represent diverse geographical regions and have contributed significantly to local conservation efforts through voluntary action and community mobilisation.
Plantation Drive to Reinforce Green Commitment
As part of the programme, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will participate in a plantation drive alongside the attending Vriksh Mitras at the PUSA Campus. The plantation activity is intended to symbolise the collective commitment to expanding green cover and promoting environmental stewardship.
The initiative also reinforces the message that protecting the environment requires continuous participation from individuals, communities, institutions, and governments alike. Organisers believe that such collective efforts can contribute significantly to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
Encouraging Sustainable Community Action
The ‘Paryavaran Sanrakshan Sankalp’ programme reflects the growing emphasis on integrating environmental conservation with public participation. By connecting thousands of volunteers through both physical and virtual platforms, the event aims to strengthen a nationwide network of individuals dedicated to protecting natural resources.
The programme is expected to serve as a platform for recognising the contributions of Vriksh Mitras while encouraging wider public involvement in tree plantation, water conservation, and ecological restoration. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and symbolic plantation activities, the initiative seeks to reinforce the idea that environmental protection is a shared national responsibility and that lasting ecological progress depends on sustained community participation.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
