changeadminOn February 19, 2021, on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, the then chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, planted saplings of ‘Rudraksha’ and ‘Sal’ at Amarkantak and resolved to plant at least one sapling every day.
Since taking that pledge, he has consistently upheld it with unwavering commitment and continuity, making daily tree planting an integral part of his routine and public message on environmental responsibility.
Five years later, now as India’s agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan led a special programme in New Delhi to mark the completion of his unique tree-planting pledge.
The programme on February 19 at the AP Shinde Hall, Pusa, began with a ceremonial planting of five saplings, symbolising the continuity of the pledge and a renewed commitment to a greener future.
In his keynote address, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke about his five-year pledge to plant a tree every day, the experiences associated with it, the role of public participation, and the way forward.
He announced another personal decision, stating that, henceforth, he will not accept flowers, garlands, shawls, or mementoes during his welcomes. If any institution or individual wants to felicitate him, they should plant five saplings and gift him the photo.
During his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan decided not to limit environmental protection to mere speeches, but to make it part of his personal conduct and carry that message to the people.
Even during the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public life had largely come to a standstill, his tree plantation pledge did not stop.
Whether in his home state, in other parts of the country, or even during visits abroad, he continued to plant a sapling every day, fulfilling his responsibility toward the environment. Today, the number of saplings planted under this personal pledge has crossed 6,000.
In 2017, under his leadership as the Chief Minister, the historic Narmada Seva Yatra concluded with the plantation of more than 60 million (6 crore) saplings across Madhya Pradesh, transforming river, forest, and climate conservation into a people’s movement.
Another initiative, ‘Ankur Abhiyan’, encourages citizens to plant saplings, upload photographs or selfies on a dedicated portal, and take responsibility for nurturing them.
Through the Ankur Abhiyan initiative, nearly 1 crore saplings were planted, and people from diverse sections of society joined the campaign. Over time, the initiative expanded beyond the boundaries of Madhya Pradesh and acquired national and international dimensions.
By encouraging plantation on occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, birth anniversaries, and death anniversaries of loved ones, Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan developed a unique tradition of linking personal celebrations with environmental service.
Inspired by his example, people living in different parts of India and even abroad began planting saplings on special occasions, thereby becoming part of this ‘green’ journey.
What began as the personal resolve of a leader has gradually evolved into a wider public movement marked by collective participation and shared responsibility towards nature.
The five-year completion of this daily tree plantation pledge thus represents not only the perseverance of one individual but also the strengthening of an environmental consciousness that aspires to make ecological responsibility a way of life.
Many people take pledges to protect the environment, but only a few demonstrate the sustained commitment and determination required to integrate them into daily life.
The personal commitment of Shivraj Singh Chouhan has prompted many to reflect that if a public leader can incorporate daily tree planting into his routine, then ordinary citizens, too, can make it a natural part of their lives.
Add comment