Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has announced an ambitious nationwide campaign to make environmental conservation a people’s movement by mobilising thousands of citizens under the banner of the ‘Vriksh Mitra’ initiative. Addressing nearly 17,000 participants connected from across the country during the ‘Environment Protection Resolve Programme and Vriksh Mitra Samvad’ at the Pusa Complex in New Delhi, the minister urged every Indian to actively contribute to protecting nature through tree plantation, water conservation and sustainable living.
The event brought together environmental experts, scientists, social workers and thousands of ‘Vriksh Mitra’ volunteers, both physically and virtually. Among those present were Padma Bhushan awardee environmentalist Anil Joshi, renowned physician and social worker Dr. Anoop Hazela, and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Dr. M.L. Jat.
Tree Plantation to Become a Family Tradition
Presenting a comprehensive roadmap, Chouhan proposed turning important family occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, the birth of children and remembrance of ancestors into ‘Tree Festivals’ by encouraging families to plant saplings on these occasions.
He called upon every ‘Vriksh Mitra’ to plant at least one tree every year and inspire five additional people to join the campaign. According to the minister, such individual commitments can collectively create a powerful national movement capable of significantly increasing India’s green cover.
To strengthen public participation, he also suggested that volunteers publicly share their plantation activities on social media ahead of Hariyali Amavasya on August 12, helping create a nationwide network of environmental ambassadors.
Structured ‘Vriksh Mitra Pariwar’ Network Proposed
Recognising the need for long-term coordination, Chouhan proposed establishing a structured ‘Vriksh Mitra Pariwar’ at national, state, district, block and village levels. Rather than functioning as a formal organisation, the initiative would operate as a community-driven family of environmentally conscious citizens committed to protecting trees and natural resources.
The minister also recommended registering the network formally and identifying permanent plantation sites in panchayats and urban local bodies. He suggested that government programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana and schemes implemented by the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministries, should begin with tree plantation activities.
Warning Against Growing Environmental Crisis
During his address, Chouhan highlighted the growing global environmental challenges, warning that climate change now poses a direct threat to humanity.
He pointed to rising temperatures, deteriorating air quality, shrinking biodiversity, water scarcity and rising sea levels as warning signs that demand immediate action. Stressing that environmental degradation is no longer merely an ecological concern but a crisis affecting human survival, he urged citizens to become active participants in conservation efforts.
Calling trees “life-givers”, he described them as providers of oxygen, protectors of biodiversity and natural regulators of the Earth’s temperature.
Hariyali Amavasya to Witness Nationwide Plantation Drive
The minister announced that Hariyali Amavasya, falling on August 12 this year, would serve as the first major national event under the Vriksh Mitra Pariwar campaign.
Drawing inspiration from India’s cultural traditions, he noted that ancient Indian wisdom has always placed immense value on trees and water conservation. By linking environmental protection with traditional festivals and public celebrations, he believes plantation drives can become a lasting social habit.
He also suggested promoting tree plantation during festivals, weddings, religious gatherings, Independence Day, Republic Day and World Environment Day to maximise public participation.
Focus on Tree Survival Alongside Plantation
Chouhan emphasised that planting saplings alone is not sufficient unless their survival is ensured.
He expressed concern that plantation campaigns often end with ceremonial photographs while neglecting long-term care of the saplings. To address this, he proposed designating dedicated plantation zones in every panchayat and urban local body where communities would collectively take responsibility for nurturing trees.
The minister stressed that making trees survive and flourish should become the true measure of success for plantation campaigns.
Environment Linked to Agriculture and Sustainable Living
Highlighting the close relationship between environmental health and agriculture, Chouhan said farmers’ future depends on conserving soil fertility, water resources and ecological balance.
He warned that excessive exploitation of natural resources and indiscriminate chemical use threaten both agricultural productivity and public health. He advocated balanced farming practices that protect the environment while ensuring stable farm incomes.
The minister also encouraged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles in line with Mission LiFE, promoting simple habits such as conserving electricity, reducing water wastage, segregating waste, avoiding single-use plastics and using energy-efficient appliances.
Environmental experts participating in the programme echoed these messages, urging behavioural changes and encouraging citizens to not only plant trees but also adopt and nurture them, reinforcing the campaign’s objective of building a greener and more sustainable India.
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]
