The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has initiated the “One Tree for Mother” campaign, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for environmental conservation. The campaign was officially launched on August 20, 2026, at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, marking the beginning of a significant tree planting initiative in the region.

During the inauguration, Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari planted a sapling near Malviya Bhawan at BHU, symbolising the commitment to the campaign’s objectives. The Mayor was joined by the Vice Chancellor of BHU, Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, where both planted a total of 101 saplings, including species such as white sandalwood, maulshree, amaltas, ashoka, and rudraksha on the first day.

Tree Planting Goals and Local Involvement

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has set an ambitious target to plant 25,000 trees throughout the city. Of these, 6,500 trees are planned for planting on the BHU campus within the next ten days. This initiative not only aims for extensive tree cover but also highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental preservation.

To ensure the healthy growth of the newly planted trees, the Municipal Corporation is providing tree guards and preparing suitable pits for planting. Additionally, local “guardians” will be appointed to oversee the maintenance and well-being of the trees, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility among residents towards this green initiative.

The campaign has garnered support from various local stakeholders, including MLA Surendra Narayan Singh, BHU Registrar Rajan Srivastava, Joint Municipal Commissioner and Garden In-charge Krishna Chandra, and local councillors, reflecting a collaborative effort in addressing environmental concerns.

Previous Tree Planting Achievements and Future Plans

Previously, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation successfully planted 8,000 trees in 2024 and 20,000 in 2025. Out of the total 28,000 trees planted in recent years, 25,000 are currently thriving and protected. This high survival rate underscores the administration’s commitment to effective urban forestry efforts.

In an effort to sustain this positive outcome, the Corporation has established a “foster” system which includes ongoing care and monitoring of the trees planted. This approach highlights the importance of not only planting but also nurturing trees to ensure ecological balance and community engagement with horticultural endeavours.

As citizens take part in the “One Tree for Mother” campaign, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation anticipates increased awareness regarding environmental sustainability. This initiative serves as an important step towards restoring green cover and enhancing the natural landscape within urban settings in Uttar Pradesh.

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