Gujarat’s Morbi Sees 10 Lakh Saplings Planted Under Namo Van Project
Morbi plantation drive turns barren land into green cover with 10 lakh saplings.
A large-scale environmental transformation project in Gujarat’s Morbi district has converted previously barren land near the Machhu Dam into a dense green cover following the plantation of around 10 lakh saplings within just 37 days. The initiative, named ‘Namo Van’, has been described as one of the region’s most ambitious afforestation drives, aimed at restoring degraded land and improving ecological balance.
The project was developed on approximately 1,200 bighas of land owned by a trust located near Machhu Dam (2) in Morbi district during 2025. Officials said the plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on September 17 last year, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, and was showcased as a major green initiative in the region.
Leading the effort was Minister of State for Labour, Skill Development and Employment Kantilal Amrutiya, who said the initiative was part of a long-term commitment to environmental conservation. He stated that he intends to dedicate the rest of his life to nature-related work after recovering from cancer, adding a personal dimension to his involvement in the project.
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According to Amrutiya, the execution of the plantation drive involved extensive planning and coordination, including support from Sadbhavana Vruddhashram. The barren land was first levelled, followed by the addition of fertile soil and organic manure brought in from outside. The entire area was fenced to protect the saplings and ensure proper growth conditions, he said.
The massive drive reportedly involved around 500 workers who planted between 25,000 and 30,000 saplings every day over a 37-day period. Amrutiya said irrigation systems and long-term maintenance arrangements were also established to ensure the survival of the plantation, which is now being managed by Sadbhavana Vruddhashram as the green cover continues to expand.
Officials said the saplings planted eight months ago have grown significantly, visibly transforming the once-dry landscape into a thriving green zone. The Gujarat government has also sanctioned funds for infrastructure development, including a road to improve access for visitors, while further proposals have been made to expand similar afforestation efforts on nearby government land around the Machhu Dam area.
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