Every citizen should become a guardian of nature

Posted On: 07 July 2025 8:41 PM by PIB Delhi Regarding Van Mahotsav in Kota

  --Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla

New Delhi: 07th  July 2025: (PIB Delhi//Hindustan Screen Desk)::

Looking at the way pollution is increasing, breathing will become even more difficult in the near future. Respiratory and health related diseases will increase. Only plantation can save us from these dangers. Plantation can be done in the name of Van Mahotsav or by planting a plant or tree in the name of our lost relatives. Through this, we can make a small effort to repay the debt of Mother Earth and nature which starts with our birth. Every breath of our life is a debt of nature on us.

"Every citizen should become a guardian of nature; determination and passion are necessary for big change" – Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla

Launch of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and Van Mahotsav in Kota

In response to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla launched the 'Van Mahotsav' (Forest Festival) in Kota under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. On Monday, he planted trees in the Mukundra sanctuary area on Rawatbhata Road.

On this occasion, Shri Birla urged everyone to take collective responsibility as guardians of nature and to plant trees. He said Kota is a vibrant and aware city that has shown exemplary strength in times of crisis and disaster. Now, it's time to make Kota the cleanest, most beautiful, and greenest city through a people's movement.

In the image below a  group of people watering a tree and making the event special.

Increasing level of Air Quality Index concerning

Shri Birla expressed concern over the increasing level of Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kota. To fight this challenge and secure the future of our children, it's our collective moral responsibility to protect nature, he said. He further said, our culture worships nature, and Rajasthan is a land that has sacrificed lives to protect trees. Today, we need determination, not sacrifice, he added.

Inspire children for plantation

You may see a group of people standing together during the event. These peoples have deep love and regard for the nature and tree culture.

Shri Birla requested teachers to motivate students to plant trees and take care of them. This will create a positive competition for environmental conservation. He said PM Modi's message of Mission LiFE (LiFEStyle For Environment) for an environment-friendly lifestyle and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign are inspiration for all of us.

Take inspiration from citizens like Bajarang Lal

Shri Birla mentioned Kota resident Bajarang Lal, who single-handedly plants and protects trees on the roadside. His dedication is an inspiration for all, he said. During the ceremony, forest department employees who made outstanding contributions to tree plantation and environmental conservation were honoured.

Massive turnout for tree plantation

During the Van Mahotsav, people, social organizations, and activists showed great enthusiasm for tree plantation. 10,000 plants were planted at the venue, and 25,000 plants were planted across the district. The sense of ownership and connection with nature was evident among the people.

***//AM//(Release ID: 2142987)