• UGI USER
  • Jul 15, 2024
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“MEGA PLANTATION DRIVE AND COLLEGE INAUGURATIONS IN MP”

Why in the news?

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a mega plantation drive in Indore, aiming to plant 11 lakh saplings in a single day.
  • The initiative, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targets planting 140 crore saplings nationwide.
  • Madhya Pradesh aims to contribute 5.5 crore saplings to this effort.

About  ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign:

  • Campaign Launch: PM Narendra Modi launched ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ on June 5, urging global participation.
  • Symbol of Commitment: Planting a Peepal tree symbolised India’s dedication to environmental protection and sustainable living.
source:medium
About Peepal tree:

  • Ecological Keystone: Peepal tree supports biodiversity, providing habitat for birds and animals, and contributes significantly to oxygen production and air purification.
  • Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Revered in Hinduism and Buddhism as a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
  • Medicinal Value: Used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, treating ailments like asthma, diabetes, and digestive issues.
  • CAM Photosynthesis: Peepal tree utilises Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) to uptake CO₂ at night by fixing it as malate.
  • ·Adaptation: CAM is common in desert plants and epiphytes to conserve water by closing stomata during the day.
  • Energy Efficiency: CAM is used selectively due to its energy inefficiency; Peepal switches to C3 photosynthesis when established on soil.