Connect with Nature: Plant Trees and Take Care of Them

*Tree Plantation Drive Held Under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” Campaign on World Environment Day*

*Minister, DM, and Officials Planted Various Tree Species*

**Pauri Garhwal** –

On the occasion of **World Environment Day**, a large-scale tree plantation program was organized near Ransi Stadium under the **“One Tree in Mother’s Name”** campaign. The event saw active participation from **State Minister for Higher Education, Health and Cooperation Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat**, **District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan**, other officials, and local residents, who planted various species of trees.

Minister Dr. Rawat, the DM, Chief Development Officer, DFO Garhwal planted **deodar saplings**, while the Sub-Divisional Magistrate planted **oak (banj) saplings**. This campaign will continue until **20th July**, and a massive plantation drive is scheduled for **25th July**.

On the occasion, **Minister Dr. Rawat** emphasized that **life-giving air and pure water** are entirely dependent on trees. He stated that **preserving natural resources is a civic duty**, and everyone should actively participate in plantation efforts. He highlighted that such actions are meaningful steps towards keeping the Earth **clean, green, and healthy**.

Dr. Rawat also expressed concern for future generations, stressing that to prevent shortages of basic needs like oxygen and water, **planting trees today is essential**. He also urged for **proper care of the planted trees**, protection of forests from fires, and maintaining **ecological balance**.

**DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan** remarked that **environmental conservation is not a one-day task**, but a continuous process. He appealed to the public to plant more trees and **take responsibility for their protection**.

During the event, the DM administered a **pledge to encourage voter participation** in the upcoming elections, while the DFO Garhwal led a pledge to **avoid plastic use** for a cleaner environment.

Tree plantation was also conducted at **all polling booths across the district**, spreading awareness about **environmental conservation** and reinforcing the **importance of democracy**.

Officials, staff, and citizens present at these events also took a pledge to **vote in large numbers** in the upcoming elections. Additionally, the **Forest Department** organized a presentation at the auditorium for **school children**, educating them about **forest fire prevention** and **environmental cleanliness**.

Present on the occasion were **Chief Development Officer Girish Gunwant**, **DFO Garhwal Swapnil Aniruddha**, **DFO Civil & Suyam Pawan Negi**, **Sub-Divisional Magistrate Deepak Ramchandra Set**, **PD DRDA Vivek Kumar Upadhyay**, **District Panchayat Administrator Shanti Devi**, **Municipal Chairperson Himani Negi**, **District Social Welfare Officer Rohit Singh**, **BDO Saurabh Handa**, **Municipal EO Shanti Prasad Joshi**, and other officials and staff members.