Latest news with #EkPedMaaKeNaam
The Print
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
India undertook plantations over 93.7 lakh ha of land in last 5 years: Govt
The initiative aims to increase the country's green cover through voluntary planting of trees involving a 'Whole of Government' and 'Whole of Society' approach. Responding to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said the government is currently carrying out afforestation and tree plantation under the overarching theme of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign launched on June 5, 2024. New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) India untertook plantations over 93.7 lakh hectares of land in the last five years under various schemes, with Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat recording the highest plantation areas, the Centre said on Thursday. Singh said afforestation is being implemented through the existing schemes such as the National Mission for Green India, Nagar Van Yojana, Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat and Tangible Benefits (MISHTI), and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), along with specific state-funded programmes. 'There is no new scheme on the anvil,' Singh said. According to official data, Uttar Pradesh led the country by conducting plantations over 23.49 lakh hectares from 2020-21 to 2024-25, followed by Telangana with 15.50 lakh hectares and Gujarat with 11.38 lakh hectares. The other major contributors included Odisha (5.03 lakh hectares), Andhra Pradesh (5.86 lakh hectares), Rajasthan (3.78 lakh hectares) and Madhya Pradesh (4.05 lakh hectares). The total plantation area across all states and UTs stood at 93.77 lakh hectares during the period. Singh said the survival rate of the planted trees is 'dynamic' and depends on factors such as soil quality, climatic conditions, water availability, grazing, fire, pest attacks and post-plantation care. Regular assessments are carried out by the state forest departments, with corrective maintenance measures taken when necessary. A comparison of forest and tree cover between the India State of Forest Reports 2019 and 2023 shows an increase of 20,080.95 sq km in the country, he said. On whether any mandatory rule is being considered for tree plantation during building construction approvals, Singh said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and its amendments already mandate tree plantation for certain categories of projects. The terms of reference for EIA study require a greenbelt and landscaping plan, while environmental clearances include binding conditions for greenbelt development in addition to compensatory planting for any trees removed, he said. The ministry, along with states and UTs, also encourages voluntary plantations and provides necessary support wherever applicable. The minister said tree plantation, including those carried out on special occasions, is monitored through a multi-tiered mechanism involving both state and Central agencies. States and UTs conduct physical verification and submit geo-tagged photographs and .kml files of the plantation sites to the ministry. PTI GVS ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
9 hours ago
- General
- News18
India undertook plantations over 93.7 lakh ha of land in last 5 years: Govt
New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) India untertook plantations over 93.7 lakh hectares of land in the last five years under various schemes, with Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat recording the highest plantation areas, the Centre said on Thursday. Responding to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said the government is currently carrying out afforestation and tree plantation under the overarching theme of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign launched on June 5, 2024. The initiative aims to increase the country's green cover through voluntary planting of trees involving a 'Whole of Government" and 'Whole of Society" approach. Singh said afforestation is being implemented through the existing schemes such as the National Mission for Green India, Nagar Van Yojana, Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat and Tangible Benefits (MISHTI), and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), along with specific state-funded programmes. 'There is no new scheme on the anvil," Singh said. According to official data, Uttar Pradesh led the country by conducting plantations over 23.49 lakh hectares from 2020-21 to 2024-25, followed by Telangana with 15.50 lakh hectares and Gujarat with 11.38 lakh hectares. The other major contributors included Odisha (5.03 lakh hectares), Andhra Pradesh (5.86 lakh hectares), Rajasthan (3.78 lakh hectares) and Madhya Pradesh (4.05 lakh hectares). The total plantation area across all states and UTs stood at 93.77 lakh hectares during the period. Singh said the survival rate of the planted trees is 'dynamic" and depends on factors such as soil quality, climatic conditions, water availability, grazing, fire, pest attacks and post-plantation care. Regular assessments are carried out by the state forest departments, with corrective maintenance measures taken when necessary. A comparison of forest and tree cover between the India State of Forest Reports 2019 and 2023 shows an increase of 20,080.95 sq km in the country, he said. On whether any mandatory rule is being considered for tree plantation during building construction approvals, Singh said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and its amendments already mandate tree plantation for certain categories of projects. The terms of reference for EIA study require a greenbelt and landscaping plan, while environmental clearances include binding conditions for greenbelt development in addition to compensatory planting for any trees removed, he said. The ministry, along with states and UTs, also encourages voluntary plantations and provides necessary support wherever applicable. The minister said tree plantation, including those carried out on special occasions, is monitored through a multi-tiered mechanism involving both state and Central agencies. States and UTs conduct physical verification and submit geo-tagged photographs and .kml files of the plantation sites to the ministry. PTI GVS ARI view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 15:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Salaries of 11 BEOs withheld for lapses in plantation drive
Balangir: District education officer (DEO) of Balangir has taken disciplinary action against block education officers (BEOs) of 11 blocks in the district by withholding their salaries for the month of July. The action was reportedly taken due to negligence in monitoring the plantation drive titled "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", which is being conducted in various schools under the jurisdiction of each BEO. Pradeep Kumar Nag, DEO, issued a directive on Tuesday to withhold the salaries of the BEOs of Puintala, Agalpur (with additional charge of Loisinga), Deogaon, Gudvela, Turekela, Muribahal, Bangomunda, Patnagarh, Titilagarh, Saintala and Belpara (with additional charge of Khaprakhol), until further notice. He further stated that salary bills of the concerned BEOs would not be processed unless they achieved 100% of the plantation targets in their respective educational institutions. "The notice was served on July 29, and I had instructed them to complete the target by the end of July to avoid disciplinary action. I am hopeful the target number of trees will be planted within the next two days," said Nag. The plantation initiative is part of a joint campaign by the state and central govts to enhance green cover in educational institutions. BEOs are responsible for supervising the drive in coordination with school staff and students. According to the DEO, despite repeated instructions and communications, the BEOs failed to meet the expected target in the plantation drive, especially when compared to other districts. He held the BEOs accountable for poor performance, citing inadequate supervision and lack of effective monitoring. "We have already covered all high schools and upper primary schools and planted the required number of trees. The digital registration process of each planted tree will be completed by Thursday. We met the expenditure of sapling purchase and other materials through the eco-clubs of the schools and the school administration," said Shankar Prasad Majhi, BEO, Patnagarh.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
CG now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
Raipur: Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, "Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares." "What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate," added Dayanand. "Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos," Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. "Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project," said an official.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
RAIPUR:Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, 'Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares.' 'What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate,' added Dayanand. 'Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos,' Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. 'Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project,' said an official. Chhattisgarh vs Odisha and Jharkhand: A Revenue Reality Check While Chhattisgarh leads in GDP share, its mineral revenue lags behind Odisha. In FY 2024-25: Odisha's mining revenue: ₹45,000 crore Chhattisgarh's mining revenue: ₹14,000 crore Jharkhand (not detailed in source but generally lower than Odisha)
