Parliament Question: Survival of saplings

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1490 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 Survival of saplings 1490. SHRI SANJAY SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) the State/UT-wise number of trees planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign; (b) the progress made against the target of 140 crore trees by 31 March, 2025; (c) the survival and mortality rate of saplings planted; (d) the funds allocated, released and utilized in this regard; and (e) the details of audits conducted and deficiencies noticed? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (e) The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on World Environment Day, 2024 to encourage tree plantation as a people’s movement, enhance environmental awareness, and increase green cover across the country. The campaign is being implemented through a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach with the participation of States and Union Territories, Central Ministries and Departments, civil institutions, foreign missions and embassies, NGOs, students, and citizens. As reported by the States and Union Territories, more than 268 crore saplings have been planted since the launch of the campaign on forest and non-forest land, including institutional, educational, community, and other suitable locations. The campaign also emphasizes protection and nurturing of planted trees, encourages the planting of local species to improve survival and build resilient ecosystems, and promotes community participation in maintenance. The plantation and maintenance activities are primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. The campaign is a voluntary, participatory mass movement, and no separate funds have been allocated by the Ministry specifically for this purpose; plantation activities are being undertaken by States and Union Territories using funds available under existing schemes including CAMPA, the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), and the MISHTI Scheme (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes). The States have in built mechanism of monitoring and evaluation of plantation and allied works carried out by them and plantation work are checked through audits and inspections as per the prescribed financial and administrative rules. The observations made during such reviews helps the States address identified issues. *****