The initiative, rolled out under the direction of Raipur Collector Dr Gaurav Singh, was recently implemented across several healthcare facilities in the district. As part of the first phase, a total of 100 fruit-bearing saplings were distributed to 20 women who delivered babies at government health centres.
Officials said three mothers in Abhanpur, five in Birgaon and twelve at the MCH Kalibadi hospital received saplings shortly after delivery. Each mother was presented with a plant as a token of care and responsibility, along with an appeal to nurture it just as they would their newborn child.
According to district officials, the objective of Green Palna is to integrate environmental awareness into everyday life by making conservation a personal and emotional commitment. “When a child is born, it is a moment of joy for the family. By gifting a sapling at that moment, we are encouraging families to contribute to a greener future,” an official associated with the programme said.
The administration has chosen fruit-bearing plants for distribution to ensure long-term benefits. Apart from increasing green cover, these plants are expected to provide nutritional and economic value to families in the years ahead. Health workers and local officials are also advising families on basic plant care to improve survival rates.
The initiative is being implemented through coordination between the district administration, health department and local bodies. Officials said hospitals have been instructed to make sapling distribution a routine part of post-delivery formalities at selected centres.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move, noting that such grassroots initiatives can have a lasting impact if sustained. Linking plantation drives with social milestones, they say, helps build emotional ownership and improves public participation in conservation efforts.
The Raipur administration plans to expand Green Palna to more health facilities in the coming months. Officials are also considering follow-up mechanisms to track plant survival and encourage families to share updates.
By connecting motherhood with nature, the programme seeks to send a simple message: nurturing life does not end at childbirth but extends to caring for the environment that future generations will inherit.
