Gandhinagar, Gujarat | July 30, 2025: In a significant stride towards expanding green cover and promoting environmental conservation, the Gujarat Forest Department has unveiled an innovative plantation drive across all districts, including the regions of Kutch and Saurashtra. This initiative aligns with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s vision and will see the planting of approximately 7.63 lakh saplings under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in Gandhinagar between the Forest Department and Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram, managed by the Manav Seva Charitable Trust, in the presence of CM Patel, Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, and Minister of State Mukesh Patel.
This large-scale plantation effort also supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which encourages citizens to plant trees in memory of their mothers as a step towards tackling climate change and increasing green cover.
Under the guidance of CM Patel, the state has already implemented the “Harit Van Path Yojana” to boost tree cover. This scheme focuses on extensive plantations on both sides of roads, aiming to enhance greenery for ecological and environmental protection while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
For roadside plantations under the Harit Van Path Yojana, the Forest Department has adopted a strategic approach. They will plant saplings of 8 feet height, including indigenous species like Banyan and Peepal, in specially prepared pits measuring 45 X 45 X 45 cm, with a spacing of 10X10 meters. This will be executed through the PPP model.
Notably, an initial MoU under the Harit Van Path Yojana was signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 between Manav Seva Charitable Trust – Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram and the Forest Department for planting 40,000 saplings on roadsides from Dwarka to Somnath and other locations. Today’s new MoU significantly expands this partnership, with the Trust now committing to plant 7.63 lakh saplings, complete with tree guards, along roadsides, coastal highways, and other vacant lands throughout Gujarat.
Key officials present at the MoU signing included Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M K Das, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr A P Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R K Sugoor, and representatives from Manav Seva Charitable Trust – Sadbhavana Vrudhdhashram, Vijay Dobariya and Mittal Khetani.