New Delhi, July 29 (Reporter) On the Global Tiger Day marked today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched what is being described as one of the world’s largest tree plantation campaigns, with over one lakh saplings to be planted across all 58 tiger reserves across the country. As part of the plantation campaign, each tiger reserve will see the planting of 2,000 saplings of indigenous species in ecologically degraded areas. The initiative aims to support long-term habitat resilience essential for sustaining viable tiger populations. Speaking at the launch event here, Yadav underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to conservation and ecological awareness, particularly among the youth. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number of tiger reserves in India has increased from 46 in 2014 to 58 as of today,” he said. The Minister encouraged the gathering which included students and educators to participate in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign by planting a tree in their mother’s name as a symbolic gesture honouring both maternal care and Mother Earth. “A tree gives without asking—be it shade, oxygen, or fruit. In nurturing one, we not only honour our mothers but also give back to the planet that sustains us,” Yadav said. In addition to the plantation drive, the event also saw the inauguration of forest nurseries at three locations in the Aravalli landscape. These nurseries will supply native saplings for future afforestation efforts and contribute to ecological restoration at the landscape level. The Minister also announced the launch of the plastic-free tiger reserves campaign, aimed at eliminating single-use plastics in protected areas, and drew attention to the progress of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative spearheaded by India to conserve the seven species of big cats. "As of now, 24 countries have joined the alliance, which will be headquartered in India," he added. Also present at the event were Union Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, senior officials from the Ministry and forest front-line staff among others, said a statement from the Ministry here. A key feature of the celebration was the Eco-Shop Exhibition, showcasing sustainable, community-based products from tiger reserves across the country. These included handicrafts, herbal products, and textiles from eco-development committees operating in the Western Ghats and southern landscapes. According to the statement, such initiatives aim to reduce human-wildlife conflict, provide alternative incomes to forest-dependent communities, and promote the integration of conservation and development goals. Yadav also distributed NTCA awards under seven categories, including Posthumous/Life sacrificed in line of duty; Wildlife Crime Detection, Investigation and Prosecution; Wildlife Monitoring; Wildlife Habitat Management; Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching activities; People’s Participation & Eco-development and Voluntary Village Relocation works, said the statement...////...