Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday  said that tree plantation should become a mass movement to protect the environment and that it is very important for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

He said that last year, the state’s initiative of planting 5 lakh trees in 5 minutes was highly appreciated in Delhi. In all parameters, Tripura has now secured a bright place on the map of India.

Today, the Chief Minister made these remarks while participating in the tree plantation program organized on the occasion of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign at Maharani Tulsibati Girls’ H.S. School.

At this program organized by the School Education Department, Chief Minister Dr. Saha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a heartwarming and symbolic program like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.

 “This program has also started in the state. And this is not just about planting trees, but a unique way to honor and express gratitude for the contribution of mothers in the lives of all of us. In this way, the Prime Minister has taken a great initiative to set a humane and environmentally friendly example before the countrymen. A mother is not just a relationship – it is a feeling, selfless love, the name of indomitable self-sacrifice. Just as mothers protect and nurture us, trees also protect the environment. Trees give us oxygen, shade, and maintain natural balance,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the first program called Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam was started in 2023, and in this initiative, more than 1,42,600 saplings were planted in Tripura.

 “About 1, 16,500 students participated. And mothers also participated in this program. This time, the Union Ministry of Education has given us a target of planting about three and a half lakh saplings. Keeping in mind the slogan One Student One Tree, the tree plantation program should be implemented. This campaign has been started simultaneously in all 8 districts of the state. About 3,652 schools have joined this program simultaneously. More than 2, 92,400 students have participated. 90,044 mothers have also joined this program. More than 1, 56,200 saplings are being planted in Tripura. We must love nature. We must respect and love a tree like a mother,” said Dr. Saha.

He said that a mature tree provides an average of 260 pounds of oxygen and can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide.

 “On the initiative of the Forest Department, 1, 02,230 saplings were planted in the state within 5 minutes on 8 June 2022. More than 2, 07,800 saplings were planted within 5 minutes on 16 June 2023. And 5 lakh saplings were planted within 5 minutes on 5 July 2024,” he added.

Special Secretary of the Education Department Raval Hemendra Kumar, Director of Education N.C. Sharma, Director of SCERT,  L. Darlong, along with teachers and other senior officials, were present at the event as distinguished guests.