Mathura’s spiritually enriched Brijbhoomi region is witnessing a concerted afforestation effort as MP and veteran actor Hema Malini spearheads a massive plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. Nearly 38 lakh saplings were planted in and around Mathura, aiming to restore the region’s diminishing green cover and revive the ecological balance that supports religious tourism—and local climate resilience.
At the planting event held at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary University, Malini emphasised the sacred duty of environmental stewardship in Brijbhoomi. “It was a rich heritage bestowed upon us, but we didn’t care and lost it. Now, it is our responsibility to plant trees and protect them. Every sapling we plant is a step towards preserving Brijbhoomi,” she affirmed. Her appeal resonated deeply with attendees, including Sugarcane Development Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, SSP Shlok Kumar and BJP’s Ravikant Garg, who collectively urged citizens to participate actively.
The campaign, launched nationally on World Environment Day 2024, has evolved into a comprehensive drive in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rollout of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” on 9 July 2025 from Ayodhya included a pledge to plant 52 crore saplings across the state this year, building on eight years of progressive environmental outreach. According to PTI, this theme is now reaching “new heights of success” with broad-based community and official engagement.
Uttar Pradesh has already planted over 210 crore saplings since 2017, contributing to a net increase of around five lakh acres in green cover. The campaign also embeds geo‑tagging, carbon credits, and community monitoring to ensure long‑term survival of planted trees.
Malini’s involvement is particularly poignant: by tying this ecological effort to Brijbhoomi’s mythic and cultural identity, she taps into local sentiments while pushing for sustained civic responsibility. Analysts warn that mere planting isn’t enough—ongoing seedling care and community ownership must follow for lasting ecological impact.
If the drive in Brijbhoomi succeeds, it may serve as a blueprint for faith‑based, nature‑centric conservation efforts in heritage regions across India—blending cultural identity with sustainable urban greening.
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