News18 Network has launched ‘Project One Tree,’ a major initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging every Indian to plant and nurture a tree. This mass movement is inspired by PM Modi’s tree plantation campaign, ‘Ek Ped, Ma ke Naam,’ which took place on World Environment Day.

According to a press release, President Draupadi Murmu marked the launch with a special message, emphasizing the importance of tree planting in combating environmental challenges. “Planting trees is a simple yet profoundly impactful step that each one of us can take to secure a healthier planet for future generations,” stated President Murmu.

News18 Network‘s editors symbolically participated in a tree plantation activity, highlighting their commitment to the cause. The event was broadcast across all national, business, and regional channels of the Network.

A dedicated microsite has been launched to support ‘Project One Tree,’ providing information, educational content, partnership opportunities, and updates on the project’s progress.

The initiative has received widespread support from government leaders, including:
• G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister, Coal and Mines
• Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh
• Eknath Shinde, CM, Maharashtra
• Bhupendra Patel, CM, Gujarat
• Dr Mohan Yadav, CM, Madhya Pradesh
• Pushkar Singh Dhami, CM, Uttarakhand
• Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, CM, Himachal Pradesh
• Brajesh Pathak, Deputy CM, Uttar Pradesh
• Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy CM, Himachal Pradesh
• Brigadier Dr B.D Mishra, Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh
Celebrities such as Meet Bros, Adivi Sesh, Sudhanshu Pandey, and Aamir Ali have also pledged their support. Notable figures from India Inc, including Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Bajaj Auto, and Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes Benz India, have recognized the initiative’s potential for positive social impact.

India has lost 2.3 million hectares of tree cover in the past 23 years, resulting in severe environmental consequences like intense heat waves, deficient rainfall, and increased flash floods. ‘Project One Tree’ aims to galvanize collective action to address these issues by educating the masses and engaging key stakeholders, including NGOs, ministries, and government entities.
The initiative is guided by an advisory panel of prominent environmentalists and experts, including:
• Swami Prem Parivartan, Founder of GiveMeTrees
• Apurva Bhandari, Founder of SankalpTaru
• Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI
• Dr. Erach Bharucha, Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education & Research
The maiden plantation drive was launched on July 21, 2024, in Noida, where News18 Network’s team and community members came together to plant and nurture trees. Notable guests included Colonel VN Thapar, Rakesh Khatri (Nest Man of India), and Anand Mohan Singh, Deputy Director of Horticulture, NOIDA Authority.
‘Project One Tree’ aims to host similar plantation drives across the country, encouraging every Indian to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.