Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign: A Green Revolution Led by Education for a Sustainable India
The Government of India has once again taken a significant step towards environmental conservation and climate action by launching the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated this ambitious initiative and aims to plant 10 crore trees across India through active participation from schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. This campaign not only emphasizes the crucial role of youth and education in environmental sustainability but also aligns with India’s broader commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
What is the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign?
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign mobilizes educational institutions across the country to foster environmental consciousness among students and teachers alike. The campaign’s core objective is to promote massive tree plantation drives within school and college campuses, thereby contributing to increasing India’s green cover and combating climate change.
With the government targeting a planting of 10 crore (100 million) trees, the campaign reinforces the idea that trees are not just plants but are vital to the survival of ecosystems, human health, and the fight against global warming. By involving students, the initiative hopes to instill a lifelong respect for nature and encourage responsible citizenship.
Why is the Campaign Important?
1. Combating Climate Change
Climate change remains one of the most urgent global challenges today. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, erratic weather patterns, and increasing natural disasters threaten ecosystems and human societies. Trees play an indispensable role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping reduce the greenhouse effect.
India’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 as part of its climate goals under the Paris Agreement means that large-scale afforestation and reforestation efforts like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 are critical.
2. Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Trees provide habitat and food for countless species of animals, birds, and insects, helping maintain biodiversity. Urban and rural afforestation can restore degraded lands, improve soil fertility, and promote water conservation through better rainfall retention.
3. Improving Air Quality and Public Health
In many Indian cities, air pollution poses a severe threat to public health. Trees act as natural air purifiers by filtering harmful pollutants, dust, and particulate matter. Increasing green cover can improve the quality of air, thereby reducing respiratory diseases and improving overall well-being.
4. Educational and Social Impact
By involving schools and colleges, the campaign goes beyond just planting trees. It encourages environmental education and awareness among the younger generation. Students learn the importance of sustainable living and the scientific principles behind climate change, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
Relevance of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign for Competitive Exams
For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and other government recruitment tests, understanding current government initiatives related to environment and sustainability is crucial. Questions on climate change, government campaigns, and India’s environmental policies frequently appear in the General Studies and Current Affairs sections.
Key Points Aspirants Should Focus On:
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Campaign objectives and scale: Know the target of planting 10 crore trees and the involvement of educational institutions.
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Government’s environmental commitments: India’s pledge for net zero emissions by 2070 and related policies.
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Significance of afforestation: Its role in climate mitigation, biodiversity, and public health.
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Role of youth and education: How campaigns like these engage students to build awareness and responsibility.
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Connection with international frameworks: Paris Agreement, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), etc.
Why This Topic Often Appears in Exams?
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It connects environment with governance, policy, and social action — all vital for exams testing analytical and current knowledge.
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Questions may be asked in multiple formats — MCQs, short answers, or essay-type questions.
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It tests aspirants’ awareness of India’s proactive approach to sustainable development.
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Knowledge of such campaigns helps in interviews and group discussions for government jobs.
Final Words:
The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign is a shining example of how India is mobilizing its youth and educational institutions to take active part in combating climate change. For competitive exam aspirants, this campaign offers valuable insights into India’s environmental strategies and the role of education in shaping a sustainable future.
Staying updated on such government initiatives is essential for success in exams as they reflect India’s policy priorities and developmental agenda. At The Prayas India, we encourage all aspirants to integrate such current affairs topics into their preparation to stay ahead and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.