Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated a plantation drive in Shurala village of Malyana Panchayat of Shimla district, organized jointly by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society and the Forest Department.
On the occasion, the Governor congratulated the State Red Cross Society, Forest Department officials and local villagers for organizing this public welfare and environmental conservation initiative. He said that plantation is not merely a ceremonial activity but a commitment to ensuring a safe and sustainable future for coming generations.
He stated that in Indian culture, nature is considered as mother. The Vedas and Upanishads emphasize the protection of trees, rivers, mountains and the entire ecosystem. He stressed that planting saplings alone is not enough; their regular care and protection are equally important. Our responsibility does not end until the planted sapling grows into a healthy and strong tree.
The Governor said that the forests of Himachal Pradesh are not only the state’s natural heritage but also form the foundation of water security, ecological balance and the livelihoods of millions of people across North India. Therefore, preserving this green legacy is of paramount importance.
He added that every citizen has a responsibility to keep Himachal Pradesh green and pollution-free by transforming plantation into a people’s movement and actively participating in environmental conservation.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Governor said that the initiative has successfully linked environmental conservation with public participation across the country. Planting a tree in honour of one’s mother is not only an emotional gesture but also a symbol of gratitude towards Mother Earth.
The Governor said that the plantation campaign serves as a powerful medium to reconnect people with nature, family and culture. He emphasized that environmental conservation should not remain merely a government programme but should become the responsibility of every citizen. Schools, colleges, panchayats, voluntary organizations and youth should play a leading role in this mission. He noted that if every citizen pledges to plant and nurture at least one tree every year, the country’s green cover will increase significantly in the coming years.
He urged young people to make environmental conservation a lifelong mission. He said that the dream of a developed India can only be realized if the country’s environment remains safe, clean and ecologically balanced. Referring to rapid urbanization, he observed that people are increasingly moving towards cities, resulting in the growth of concrete jungles, which is not a healthy trend. He also mentioned that during his five-month tenure as Governor, this was his first visit to a rural area, adding that the greenery and lifestyle of the villages were truly captivating. He appealed to villagers to contribute by planting even a single tree each, as every effort would help strengthen environmental conservation.
As part of the plantation drive, officials of the Forest Department, representatives of the Red Cross Society and students of the Junior Red Cross Wing of Shimla Nursing College planted more than 120 saplings, including pomegranate, baan oak, deodar, walnut, chir pine and bana.
Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society and Member of the National Red Cross Executive Committee Dr. Sadhana Thakur, Executive Member Kimmi Sood, Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood and Chief Conservator of Forests K. Tirumal were also present on the occasion.
