Shivraj Singh Chouhan turns personal green pledge into national movement at Pusa event.

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: After completing five years as a Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan advocated for tree plantation during an event at the Pusa Institute.

What began as a personal resolution has now been positioned as a nationwide green movement aimed at mass public participation.

Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Agriculture Minister and Farmers Welfare Minister, announced that every program under his ministries will henceforth begin with tree plantation.

He directed that all events of the agriculture ecosystem—seminars, conferences, convocations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural colleges, and research institutions—must adopt tree plantation as a mandatory first step.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s journey from Narmada Seva Yatra to Ankur Abhiyan:

Shivraj Singh Chouhan explained that the roots of this pledge lie in the environmental consciousness developed during the historic Narmada Seva Yatra (2017), during which over six crore saplings were planted across Madhya Pradesh, transforming river conservation into a mass movement.

Building on this spirit, the Ankur Abhiyan was launched, encouraging citizens to plant saplings, upload photos on a portal, and pledge protection.

Nearly one crore saplings were planted through this initiative, which has since expanded beyond Madhya Pradesh to national and international participation.

Citizens now mark birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions by planting trees.

No garlands, no mementos—only trees:

Taking a strong personal stand, Chouhan announced that he will no longer accept garlands, sashes, or mementos at public receptions. Instead, anyone wishing to honor him should plant five trees and present a photograph.

“Garlands fade, mementos gather dust, but trees become a living legacy for generations,” he said, urging ministries and organizations to replace symbolic honors with meaningful action.

Tree Bank, Ankur Platforms, and missed call model:

The Minister proposed the creation of a Tree Bank, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute funds for p-plantation and protection through dedicated agencies.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan also suggested a national digital platform—such as ‘Ankur’ or Sambhaavna’—where citizens can sponsor tree plantation on personal milestones and receive photographs and geolocation details in return.

Additionally, he proposed a missed-call system to enable easy public participation, allowing interested citizens to join training programs and mass plantation drives voluntarily.

Spiritual, social and environmental unity:

Renowned spiritual leader Sadhvi Rithambara described the pledge as a confluence of religion, society, and nature, calling tree plantation a true yajana and a form of living sacrifice rooted in Sanatan culture.

Environmental activist Anil Joshi termed Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s commitment as a path of liberation while living, noting that his movements focus not on confrontation but on positive transformation and harmony with nature.

Senior Journalist and thinker Ashutosh Jha urged citizens to adopt the daily tree-planting pledge, calling trees a source of peace and a bridge between generations.

India’s population is our greatest strength, he said. “If even 2-5 crore people take up tree plantation, India can show the world the way.”

The program concluded with a collective tree plantation on the Pusa campus, as all dignitaries and participants pledged to carry forward the spirit of ‘One Plant a Day.

Also Read: Shivraj Singh Chouhan will celebrate his 5-year tenure as union minister on Thursday.

EOM.