PM Modi Launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ on World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the second phase of the nationwide tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in New Delhi. The initiative encourages citizens to plant a tree in honor of their mothers, blending emotional sentiment with ecological responsibility. As part of the drive, the government has set an ambitious target of planting 10 crore trees across the country between June 5 and September 30. In a parallel push for sustainability, the Prime Minister also flagged off 200 electric buses in Delhi to promote green public transportation and combat urban air pollution.

Why in News?

On World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park, Delhi. The expanded initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees across India by September 30, 2025, combining environmental sustainability with emotional and cultural values. The PM also flagged off 200 electric buses in Delhi to promote clean urban transport.

About ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’

• Launched: Originally in 2024 by PM Modi; Phase 2 began on June 5, 2025.
• Venue: Mahavir Jayanti Park, New Delhi.
• Aim: Promote environmental protection through symbolic personal action — planting a tree in honor of one’s mother.
• Target: 10 crore trees to be planted across India from June 5 to September 30, 2025.
• Theme: Aligns cultural sentiment (motherhood) with climate action, symbolizing nurturing and protection of life.

Significance of the Campaign

• Strengthens grassroots participation in environmental sustainability.
• Boosts India’s contribution to global efforts against climate change.
• Reinforces citizen engagement in green drives through a personal, emotional lens.

Additional Highlights from the Event

• PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) encouraging deeper efforts toward planet protection.
• Highlighted India’s growing forest cover over the past decade as a result of collective efforts.
• A major environmental movement that combines emotion, culture, and ecology.

Promotion of Sustainable Transport

• PM Modi flagged off 200 electric buses in Delhi.
• Part of the Delhi government’s clean transport initiative.
• Aims to reduce air pollution and enhance green urban mobility.

Static Facts & Background

• World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972.
• The 2025 World Environment Day theme is: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
• Delhi faces one of the worst air pollution levels globally, making such initiatives critical.