India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, observed World Environment Day 2025 with a symbolic initiative at its flagship properties—The Ashok and Hotel Samrat in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event was held under the banner of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, echoing the national campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024.
Led by ITDC Managing Director Mugdha Sinha, IAS, the celebration drew participation from functional directors, senior officials, staff, and their families. The highlight of the occasion was a tree plantation ceremony where every guest and child planted a sapling in honour of their mother, establishing a personal and emotional connection with nature.
The initiative also aligned with the United Nations’ 2025 World Environment Day theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Emphasising sustainable practices, the event reinforced ITDC’s commitment to promoting a circular economy within the tourism sector. Notably, the gardening staff—often the invisible contributors to the upkeep of the properties’ landscapes—were acknowledged for their role in preserving green spaces.
Mugdha Sinha said, “Planting a tree in the name of a mother is like paying homage to the universal Mother Earth, the nurturing life force that procreates, nurtures and sustains all of life. Inspired by Hon Prime Minister’s call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, on this World Environment Day, ITDC reiterates its commitment towards a circular economy and sustainable environment, free from plastic waste.”
Both The Ashok and Hotel Samrat are recognised for their environmentally conscious designs. Constructed in harmony with the natural terrain, the properties were developed to preserve existing trees and minimise the urban heat island effect, creating cooler microclimates within the premises. ITDC’s effort serves as a reminder that ecological responsibility and hospitality can go hand-in-hand.
