New Delhi [India], October 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, called on citizens to adopt sustainable practices and take part in the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' tree planting campaign, while highlighting grassroots innovations and community-led environmental conservation efforts across the country.
The Prime Minister praised several local initiatives that combine innovation with environmental protection, including the unique waste management model in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh.
"In Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, Garbage Cafes are being run. These are cafes where you get a full meal in exchange for plastic waste. If someone brings over 1 kilogram of plastic, they are provided with either lunch or dinner, and in place of 0.5 kilogram of plastic, they get breakfast. These cafes are run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation," PM Modi said, appreciating the initiative for converting waste into nourishment while promoting cleanliness.
He also acknowledged the work of Bengaluru-based engineer Kapil Sharma, who is leading efforts to rejuvenate the city's lakes and wells.
"Bengaluru is called the city of lakes, and engineer Kapil Sharma ji has started a campaign to give a new life to the lakes here. Kapil ji's team has rejuvenated 40 wells and six lakes in Bengaluru and the surrounding areas. The special thing is that he has also involved corporations and local people in his mission," the Prime Minister said in Mann Ki Baat.
Drawing attention to the importance of coastal ecosystems, Modi emphasised the role of mangroves in protecting against natural disasters.
"Just as there are forests in the mountains and plains, which bind the soil together, mangroves have a similar importance on the seashores. Mangroves grow in the salty water and marshy land of the sea and are an important part of the marine ecosystem. These mangroves prove very helpful when disasters like tsunamis or cyclones strike," he explained.
He cited Gujarat's success in mangrove restoration near Dholera, saying, "Five years ago, the Forest Department teams of Gujarat started planting mangroves near Dholera near Ahmedabad, and today, mangroves have spread over 3,500 hectares on the Dholera coast. The effect of these mangroves is visible throughout the area today. The number of dolphins in the ecosystem has risen. Crabs and other aquatic creatures have also increased in number, compared to earlier. Migratory birds are also coming here in large numbers now. A 'Mangrove Learning Centre' has also been set up in Kutch, Gujarat..."
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged people to contribute to environmental protection by planting more trees.
"This is the very speciality of trees and plants. Irrespective of the place, they are useful for the betterment of every living being. That is why it is said in our scriptures--blessed are the trees & plants from whom, those who seek do not return disappointed. We should plant trees wherever we live, too. We need to further promote the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign," he said.