Chandigarh, May 21: City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla launched The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh the “Women for Trees” campaign—a flagship initiative under the AMRUT Mitra programme initiated by MoHUA. This campaign has been officially launched from the Community Centre, Sarangpur in the presence of Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Sumit Sihag, Joint Commissioner, Sh. Sanjay Arora, Chief Engineer, Sh. Ram Chander Yadav, area councilor, other senior officers of MCC and office bearers of city level Self Help Groups.
Inspired by the Government of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, this gender-inclusive programme aims to strengthen urban green spaces and build climate resilience by actively engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women, in tree plantation and environmental stewardship. The implementation of the campaign is being led by teams from AMRUT and DAY-NULM under the MC Chandigarh.
The Mayor and Commissioner distributed campaign kits to 100 volunteers of city level Self Help Groups to be used during the three days programme. Students from Govt. Sr. Secondary school, Sector 37 presented welcome song besides songs & poems to save trees and value of planting and growing trees in surroundings.
Addressing the office bearers and members of city level Self Help Groups, the Mayor said that tree planting initiatives can provide women with diverse economic opportunities. For instance, women can be involved in nursery establishment, planting, and maintenance activities, generating income, and creating employment opportunities. She said that when women have access to these opportunities, it leads to a ripple effect that positively impacts entire communities and economies.
The Mayor further said that tree planting can also empower women socially. Women can gain valuable skills and knowledge by participating in community-based initiatives, such as agroforestry techniques, nursery management, and business development. These skills can enhance their self-confidence and enable them to take on community leadership roles.
She further said that tree planting can also foster social cohesion and strengthen community bonds. Women can work together to establish and manage tree nurseries, plant trees, and monitor their growth. This collaborative effort can empower women to address challenges and advocate for their rights collectively.
While sharing about the campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar, MC Commissioner said that the initiative will roll out in three distinct phases: Phase I (21st – 23rd May 2025): SHGs, along with AMRUT and DAY-NULM officials, will conduct site visits, carry out assessments, and develop plans for plantation.
Phase II (5th June – 31st August 2025): Tree planting activities will take place across designated areas such as parks, water bodies, and other public spaces. Phase III (2025–2026): A digital platform will be used to geotag and monitor the growth and maintenance of the planted trees.
He further said that in Chandigarh, the selected locations include big parks, green belts, neighborhood parks, water treatment plants and compounds in community centres throughout city. By integrating environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment, the “Women for Trees” initiative aims to foster a sense of community ownership over urban green infrastructure. He added.
