Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has once again underlined his commitment to making Uttar Pradesh greener and healthier. This time, he has called for large-scale tree plantation along major expressways like the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and Ganga Expressway. The vision is not just environmental; it’s deeply emotional, rooted in the ongoing campaign themed ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ – planting a tree in the name of one’s mother.
This simple yet touching initiative is driving thousands of citizens to participate. From school children to government employees and from NGOs to common people, everyone is coming together to turn this movement into a green revolution. The idea is to pay tribute to the nurturing nature of a mother by giving back to Mother Earth. The Chief Minister believes that such emotionally connected campaigns create lasting impact.
With heatwaves becoming a yearly crisis in northern India, especially in the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions, this movement is being seen as a long-term solution. Trees not only provide shade and reduce heat but also purify the air and support local biodiversity. The aim is not only to plant trees but to ensure their survival through proper care and regular maintenance.
Expressways Becoming Green Corridors of Development
The expressways of Uttar Pradesh, which are symbols of rapid infrastructure development, are now being reshaped as corridors of greenery and sustainability. Under the directives of CM Yogi Adityanath, over 25 crore saplings are being targeted for plantation along these expressways this year alone. Special focus is on the Gorakhpur Link, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Ganga, and Agra-Lucknow Expressways, where space alongside service lanes, central verges, and medians is being utilized.
Forest department teams, horticulture experts, and public volunteers are working together for species selection and proper plantation techniques. Native and climate-resilient species like neem, peepal, jamun, amaltas, and gulmohar are being preferred. These trees not only withstand extreme temperatures but also offer fruit, shade, and ecological balance.
More than just planting, maintenance is also being prioritized. Geo-tagging of trees, watering through drip irrigation, and local panchayat-level monitoring are being implemented. The expressways will soon become eco-tourism stretches, attracting travelers not just for the smooth roads but also for the green, scenic journey they offer.
CM Yogi has made it clear that no development should be blind to nature. These tree-lined expressways symbolize the state’s commitment to environment-friendly growth. They’re an example of how highways can carry not just traffic, but also life, hope, and sustainability.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’: A Campaign with Heart and Roots
The campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is touching the hearts of millions in Uttar Pradesh. It is not a government order; it’s a people’s movement. Inspired by the deep bond everyone shares with their mother, the campaign encourages individuals to plant a tree in her name. This simple idea is turning into a beautiful mission. Villages, towns, schools, and even corporate offices are joining in.
Thousands of trees have already been planted across the state. In many districts, families are planting trees on birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals to mark them with meaning and memory. Social media is also playing a big role, with people posting pictures of their trees, geotags, and stories related to their mothers.
This initiative is not just creating forests, it’s creating emotional ownership of the trees. When someone plants a tree in their mother’s name, they feel a responsibility to protect and nurture it. This sense of personal connection is what makes this campaign different and powerful.
The cumulative effect of these small yet meaningful actions is visible – areas that were once dry and dusty are slowly becoming green and lively. It is a classic case of climate action through culture and emotion.
Collective Action for a Cooler, Greener Uttar Pradesh
This tree plantation drive is a perfect example of how collective efforts can bring about big change. The government is facilitating it, but the real strength lies in community participation. Residents are stepping out in the early morning hours to plant saplings, schools are organizing plantation weeks, and farmers are converting unused patches of land into mini-forests.
Environmental experts say that if this momentum continues, the expressways will soon act as green lungs for the entire state. Not only will they reduce the surface temperature by several degrees, but they will also help absorb carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, and recharge groundwater levels.
What’s heartening is the involvement of the youth. From college students making plantation clubs to young influencers promoting it online, the next generation is taking this green responsibility seriously. This campaign is not just about today; it’s about building a better tomorrow.
With the strong leadership of Yogi Adityanath and the united efforts of the people of Uttar Pradesh, the shift from heatwave to greenwave is becoming a reality — one tree at a time.
