PM Modi launches Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' on World Environment Day
Environment
6 min read
On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the
‘ Ek Ped Maa Ke' campaign on 5 June 2024 in New Delhi.
World Environment Day is observed around the globe on 5 June every year. In India, Earth is considered a mother or Maa. The Ek Ped Maa Ke campaign signifies the protection of the Earth's environment by afforestation to stop land degradation, soil erosion, and falling water tables.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign
Prime Minister Modi planted a peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi on World Environment Day. The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to make the planet better by
increasing the forest cover that will further sustainable development.
Sustainable development refers to using resources in such a way that not only the needs of the present generation are met, but substantial resources are left to meet the needs of future generations.
Symbolic significance of Peepal Tree
The Peepal tree has environmental, cultural, and medical value. It is an evergreen tree with a deep root system and a wide canopy that provides shade and is an excellent habitat for birds and other animals.
Oxygen producing tree
Peepal is one of the most oxygen-producing trees in the world, along with neem and tulsi. Peepal trees also help reduce air pollution by absorbing pollutants. Peepal trees with a deep-rooting system helps in soil conservation and preventing soil erosion. The peepal tree is a symbol of sustainability in a world that is grappling with land degradation, soil erosion, and falling water tables.
Cultural significance
The Peepal tree also holds a special place in the Hindu and Buddhist religions.
In Hindu culture, the Peepal tree represents life, wealth, and fertility as Lord Vishnu's dwelling place. Prince Siddharth gained enlightenment under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and became Lord Buddha. Hence, Peepal trees are also known as Bodhi trees.
The Peepal tree also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Its leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat various ailments, such as asthma, diabetes, and skin diseases.
World Environment Day
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 1972 to declare 5 June as the World Environment Day.
The first World Environment Day was observed worldwide on 5 June 1973.
The day is observed to raise global awareness amongst stakeholders on the problems facing our environment, such as air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable consumption, sea-level increase, and food security. World Environment Day also focuses on changing human consumption patterns to promote sustainable development in the world.
Theme of the World Environment Day2024
Every Year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) selects a theme to focus on current environmental issues.
This year the theme of the World Environment Day is ‘Our Land '. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”.
The theme celebrates the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was set up in 1994 at the United Nations ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3-14 June 1992.
The UNCCD came into force in December 1996. The UNCCD was signed to address the problem of land degradation and desertification.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2 to 13 December 2024.
