Shimla, July 17
Under the guidance of Shri Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 campaign was formally launched today at Government Primary School, Jayee, Tehsil Theog, District Shimla, under the aegis of Eco Club for Mission LiFE. The initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with the Forest Department, Himachal Pradesh, with the objective of promoting environmental conservation and strengthening community participation in large-scale plantation drives.
Dr. Manish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Theog, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Shri Balvinder Singh, Deputy Director (Quality Control), Shri Ravinder Sharma, Law Officer, the State Coordinator, Eco Club for Mission LiFE, the Range Forest Officer, school heads, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) members, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and local residents.
In his address, Dr. Manish Kumar, DFO Theog, appreciated the collective efforts of the Education and Forest Departments and assured that the plantation site would be properly fenced to protect the saplings and ensure their healthy growth.
Addressing the gathering, the State Coordinator for Eco Club for Mission LiFE sensitized students and the community about the objectives of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 and highlighted that Himachal Pradesh has been assigned an ambitious target of planting approximately 11 lakh saplings during the current plantation season. He urged every citizen, particularly school children, to actively participate in the campaign and nurture the planted saplings to ensure their survival.
The programme brought together a cluster of three schools—GSSS Kiar, GSSS Mahori and GSSS Bagain. Nearly 300 students, along with teachers and community members, participated enthusiastically in the plantation drive. A total of 300 saplings were planted over six bighas of land, demonstrating a strong commitment towards ecological restoration and environmental sustainability.
The event also featured inspiring speeches by students on environmental conservation, climate change and the importance of protecting natural resources. Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, students presented a thought-provoking nukkad natak (street play) titled “Prakriti Ki Den”, conveying a powerful message on the need to preserve nature for future generations.
The launch of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 marks the beginning of an extensive statewide plantation campaign that will be carried out through the coordinated efforts of Samagra Shiksha and the Forest Department, Himachal Pradesh, with active participation from schools, local communities and various stakeholders.
