Environment Day: Ministry & Co-ops unite for tree plantation nationwide

On the occasion of World Environment Day, cooperative institutions across the country united in a green mission, pledging their commitment to environmental protection through widespread tree plantation initiatives. Spearheading this nationwide effort was the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi, which organized a special tree plantation program at its premises.

Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, joined by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and other senior officials, participated enthusiastically in the drive. Their collective involvement underlined the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

This year’s plantation campaign was aligned with the heartfelt theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name). By encouraging individuals to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers, the initiative fostered a personal and emotional connection to nature while promoting ecological responsibility.

All Ministry officials and staff participated actively, contributing to a shared vision of a greener and healthier planet. Further reinforcing this mission, the Ministry urged everyone to take a yearly pledge to plant at least one tree in their mother’s name, symbolizing both gratitude and a sustained commitment to the environment.

Meanwhile, IFFCO, a pioneer in environmentally friendly agricultural innovations, reaffirmed its green resolve. Known for introducing nano-based fertilizers that reduce ecological impact, IFFCO observed the day with a meaningful tree plantation ceremony at its Kalol unit. The event, held in the presence of IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani, was dedicated to the martyrs of Operation Sindoor, a moving tribute to their valour and sacrifice.

This act of remembrance through environmental action was widely appreciated and underscored IFFCO’s dual commitment to both sustainability and national pride. The plantation drive served not only as an ecological initiative but also as a powerful expression of collective memory and honour.

Dombivli Nagari Sahakari (DNS) Bank held a special event at its Central Office’s Shraddheya Dattopant Thengadi Auditorium. Abhijit Deshpande, RSS’s Environmental Activity Coordinator for Konkan Prant, urged employees to integrate eco-awareness into daily life, stressing the importance of focusing on trees (Ped), water (Pani), and plastic.

He highlighted how simple changes at home can address major environmental issues and called for reflection and action at personal, professional, and public levels. To mark the occasion, DNS Bank launched “I-Connect,” a paperless internal software for employee tasks, inaugurated by Director Abhijit Marathe. HR Head Mandar Waze declared the upcoming year as “Environment Year.” Senior officers and staff attended, with all branches joining virtually via live broadcast.

Also commemorating the day, the Forest and Environment Department of the Government of Sikkim organized a plantation event at Sleep Tank, Burtuk, marking World Environment Day 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives, and the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood.

The event was conducted with the active support of the Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED). Chairman Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, Managing Director Bhaskar Basnett, SIMFED officers, and workers from the 27-Gangtok constituency came together to plant trees and promote green consciousness.