Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Vriksharopan Abhiyan (VA) 2024 today at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, marking a major event in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative, focused on large-scale tree planting and environmental sustainability, was coordinated simultaneously at approximately 300 locations across 47 districts in 11 coal and lignite-bearing states via video conferencing.
The Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 is a crucial component of the broader campaign, which aims to enhance India’s green cover through extensive tree planting. On this day, the Coal Ministry and various Coal/Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) distributed around 1 million saplings across different coalfields, reflecting their commitment to environmental responsibility and climate action.
Minister Reddy praised the efforts of the Coal Ministry and PSUs, acknowledging their significant contribution to the campaign. He highlighted the dual focus of these organizations: meeting the nation’s energy demands while also advancing environmental sustainability through substantial green initiatives.
The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Dulu Mahato, Member of Parliament from Dhanbad, Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, and the Chairman of Coal India Limited, along with other senior officials from coal companies. Their participation underscored the collective commitment to promoting a greener future.
Over the past five years, Coal/Lignite PSUs have made notable strides in environmental conservation. They have planted 24 million saplings across 10,942 hectares of land in and around coalfields. This substantial effort is part of a broader strategy to combat climate change, reduce carbon footprints, and create a healthier environment for future generations.
Looking ahead, the Coal PSUs have set ambitious targets for the next five years. They aim to expand green cover by an additional 15,350 hectares, with a target of covering 2,600 hectares in the current fiscal year alone. Embracing innovative techniques such as the Miyawaki method, seed balls, and drone technology, these organizations are poised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their reforestation efforts.
