Amit Shah Launches Ambitious Tree Plantation Drive in Ahmedabad

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a significant tree plantation campaign under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Mission 5 Million Trees, alongside inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various development projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This initiative comes at a time when environmental sustainability has become a pressing concern globally, and local governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of enhancing urban green spaces.

In attendance were Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. The presence of these officials underscores the collaborative effort between state and central governments to address environmental issues. During his address, HM Shah highlighted that over one crore trees were planted in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in a single day, with nearly 50 lakh saplings planted across Ahmedabad as part of this initiative. The campaign aims to foster a greener environment, enhance air and water quality, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. By focusing on tree plantation, the government is not only addressing climate change but also improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Shah emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign has rapidly transformed into a nationwide movement, with citizens across India embracing the vision of balancing development with environmental conservation. He stated,

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ has quickly grown into a people’s movement, and the entire nation is embracing his mantra of ‘People, Planet with Progress.’”

This statement reflects the government's commitment to integrating environmental considerations into the broader development agenda, highlighting a shift in policy focus towards sustainability.

Highlighting the central government’s environmental initiatives, HM Shah noted that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have planted over seven crore trees nationwide in the past seven years. This statistic illustrates the scale of governmental efforts in reforestation and environmental conservation. He mentioned that a similar large-scale plantation drive was recently conducted in Delhi, indicating that these efforts are not limited to Gujarat but are part of a larger national strategy to combat environmental degradation.

Under this campaign, only native tree species with a lifespan exceeding 100 years are being planted to ensure long-term ecological benefits. The choice of native species is crucial as they are better adapted to the local environment, require less water, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, Shah inaugurated 61 new Oxygen Parks in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, raising the total from 12 to 73. In a remarkable effort, the Municipal Corporation of Ahmedabad inaugurated 101 Oxygen Parks in just one day. These parks serve as vital green lungs for urban areas, contributing to improved air quality and providing recreational spaces for residents.

To encourage public participation, the civic body has introduced a dedicated vehicle service to deliver saplings directly to residents wishing to plant trees. Shah described this initiative as a scientific and citizen-friendly approach aimed at increasing community involvement. This innovative strategy aims to eliminate barriers to participation, making it easier for citizens to engage in environmental stewardship.

Stressing the importance of public engagement, HM Shah stated that environmental campaigns could only succeed with active participation from the community. He expressed confidence that the ongoing plantation drive would help reduce Ahmedabad’s temperature by at least five percent compared to other cities in the coming years. This assertion is backed by studies that show urban greenery can significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect, which is particularly pronounced in densely populated areas.

Shah urged every citizen to plant at least one tree, contributing to the preservation of the ozone layer and the protection of the environment for future generations. He mentioned that Sanand, Gandhinagar, Kalol, and Ahmedabad have collectively increased their green cover to 11.23 percent, with a target of expanding it to 20 percent by 2029. Achieving this target would align with global sustainability goals and contribute to India's commitments under international climate agreements.

Moreover, the Home Minister called upon residents to adopt solar energy, noting that the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency boasts the highest number of rooftop solar installations among all parliamentary constituencies in the country. He encouraged citizens to ensure that every house and apartment is equipped with rooftop solar panels. This push for solar energy reflects a broader trend towards renewable energy sources in India, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

In conjunction with the plantation drive, HM Shah inaugurated 22 development projects and laid the foundation stones for seven new projects in Ahmedabad. These projects are part of a comprehensive urban development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in the region. He mentioned that the induction of 325 new AMTS and BRTS buses would significantly reduce carbon emissions, stating that Ahmedabad would no longer have polluting buses in its public transport fleet following these additions. This transition to cleaner public transport options is crucial for reducing urban air pollution and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Shah revealed that development projects worth ₹28,492 crore have been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency to date. These projects include ₹7,030 crore in Ghatlodia, ₹2,670 crore in Vejalpur, ₹2,149 crore in Sabarmati, ₹3,262 crore in Naranpura, ₹2,800 crore in Sanand, ₹4,300 crore in Gandhinagar North, and ₹2,003 crore in Kalol. The substantial investment in these projects indicates a strong commitment to urban development and improving the living standards of residents in these areas.

Concluding his address, the Home Minister appealed to the residents of Ahmedabad and the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency to ensure that every neighborhood, housing society, and household contributes to increasing green cover by planting trees, while also embracing rooftop solar installations as part of India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. This call to action not only emphasizes individual responsibility but also reflects a collective vision for a greener, more sustainable India.