Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap launches mobile sapling distribution campaign to promote ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and expand the city’s green cover
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 29, 2026: In a major initiative to promote environmental conservation and increase green cover, the Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Department has launched a city-wide free sapling distribution campaign through mobile ‘Nature’s ATM’ vehicles. The initiative, spearheaded by Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, will provide free saplings across all 70 wards of Raipur.
The campaign supports Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai’s vision of “Hariyar Chhattisgarh” (Green Chhattisgarh) and aims to strengthen the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign by encouraging citizens to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap flagged off the ‘Nature’s ATM’ vehicle from his official residence in Naya Raipur on Wednesday. Operated by the Raipur Forest Division, the mobile unit will travel across all 70 wards, making free saplings easily accessible to residents. The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Shri Arun Kumar Pandey.
The department will distribute a wide range of saplings, including fruit-bearing, shade-giving, and oxygen-rich tree species. Besides promoting tree plantation, the campaign also seeks to encourage citizens to take responsibility for nurturing and protecting the saplings after planting.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kedar Kashyap said trees are a priceless legacy for future generations and that planting a tree in the name of one’s mother is a meaningful way to honour motherhood while contributing to environmental protection. He said the ‘Nature’s ATM’ initiative would bring greenery closer to the people and help make Raipur a greener, cleaner, and healthier city.
Officials and staff of the Forest Department and the Raipur Forest Division were present during the launch of the campaign. The department has appealed to citizens to collect free saplings from the mobile ‘Nature’s ATM’ units, participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, and contribute towards building a greener Chhattisgarh.
