Chandigarh Plants 1.17 Lakh Trees In Single-Day Environmental Drive
Chandigarh has achieved a historic milestone by planting over 1.17 lakh saplings across the city in a single day as part of Van Mahotsav 2025. With 318 sites transformed into verdant zones—from schools and parks to road dividers—the initiative exceeded its original target and reinforced the Union Territory’s commitment to urban greening and ecological restoration. The drive is being hailed as a model of environmental leadership and citizen engagement in sustainable development.
In what is now being recognised as one of Chandigarh’s largest environmental movements, over 1.17 lakh saplings were planted in a massive, citywide campaign to mark Van Mahotsav 2025. Surpassing the original goal of 1.05 lakh trees, the plantation drive spanned 318 locations including parks, residential belts, school campuses, government complexes, and road medians. A wide variety of indigenous and ecologically significant trees—like neem, peepal, rudraksha, gulmohar, and mango—were strategically chosen to enhance biodiversity and support long-term ecological balance. The campaign also saw symbolic planting at places like Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest and Punjab Raj Bhavan. Authorities noted that this greening push is aligned with Chandigarh’s broader goal to raise its already impressive green cover of 51.54%. With strong participation from citizens, schoolchildren, and volunteers, the city turned the environmental celebration into a powerful demonstration of climate-conscious action rooted in cultural values and civic responsibility.
Officials and environmental experts framed the record-setting initiative not just as a tree-planting event but as a cultural and ecological statement. The saplings were planted with awareness about the Panchmahabhuta philosophy—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky—emphasising the deep emotional and spiritual connection between people and nature. Experts highlighted that global deforestation claims billions of trees annually, and localised drives like these are vital to counter this loss. The city’s long-term vision includes planting over five lakh trees this year as part of a broader climate action plan. Alongside the plantation campaign, three key policies were launched: the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan, the State Action Plan on Climate Change, and the Chandigarh Tree Map. These aim to institutionalise sustainable practices, map urban biodiversity, and build climate resilience. The event’s emotional resonance was further deepened by aligning with national efforts like the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, blending sentiment with sustainability.
Chandigarh’s record-breaking Van Mahotsav drive has set a new precedent in urban environmental leadership. With over 1.17 lakh trees planted in a single day, the city has shown that grassroots participation and strong administrative planning can co-create greener futures. Beyond the numbers, the campaign fostered awareness, civic pride, and long-term ecological thinking—crucial elements in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. As the Union Territory pushes ahead with its goal to plant over five lakh saplings this year, this landmark initiative will serve as a blueprint for other Indian cities aspiring to combine rapid development with ecological restoration.
