Vishnu Deo Sai says every tree planted today will secure a greener future as innovative mobile initiative aims to make environmental conservation a people’s movement
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 16,2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday flagged off an innovative mobile “Tree ATM” launched by the Jashpur Forest Department, describing it as a significant step towards making environmental conservation a mass movement and encouraging greater public participation in tree plantation.
Unlike conventional ATMs that dispense cash, the mobile Tree ATM will provide free saplings to citizens across different parts of the district, making it easier for people to participate in plantation drives. The initiative was launched at the Bagiya helipad complex.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister received an Amla (Indian gooseberry) sapling from the Tree ATM and distributed saplings to those present. He said the mobile unit would travel across the district, ensuring easy access to saplings while creating awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
Appreciating the Jashpur Forest Department’s initiative, Sai said the Tree ATM is a simple yet effective way to encourage large-scale plantation. He noted that the ongoing monsoon season provides ideal conditions for planting trees, and the availability of different varieties of saplings through the mobile unit would strengthen afforestation efforts across the district.
The Chief Minister said the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inspired people across the country to actively participate in environmental conservation. He added that Chhattisgarh has also been undertaking extensive plantation drives under the campaign.
Emphasising that environmental protection is the moral responsibility of every citizen, Sai urged people to plant at least one sapling and nurture it until it grows into a tree. “Every sapling planted today will lay the foundation for a secure future for coming generations,” he said, appealing to citizens to actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
The Tree ATM carries the message, “Today’s sapling, shade for future generations,” reflecting the campaign’s focus on long-term environmental sustainability. Besides distributing free saplings, the initiative will educate recipients on scientific plantation methods, regular maintenance and protection of young plants to improve their survival rate.
Officials said the objective of the initiative is not merely to increase plantation numbers but to ensure that every sapling grows into a healthy tree, thereby strengthening the state’s long-term environmental conservation efforts.
