A ceremonial tree plantation conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the "One Tree in Mother's Name" campaign has become the center of a growing controversy following allegations that the sapling planted at the Pachpadra Refinery in Rajasthan was incorrectly identified.
According to reports circulating in local media and on social platforms, the Prime Minister referred to the sapling as a khejri tree during the ceremony. However, critics later alleged that the plant visible at the event appeared to be a peepal sapling instead.
If confirmed, the discrepancy would raise questions about event preparation and administrative verification for a high-profile government function.
Observers have argued that multiple agencies—including local district authorities, forest officials, refinery organizers, and protocol teams—would typically participate in verifying ceremonial materials used during a Prime Ministerial visit.
The incident has also generated discussion regarding briefing documents and official communications that reportedly identified the sapling as a khejri tree. Critics contend that stronger on-site verification procedures could have prevented any mismatch between the announced species and the one planted during the ceremony.
Supporters of the government have urged caution, noting that official clarification or technical verification of the sapling's species should precede any conclusions regarding responsibility.
As of publication, no formal inquiry or official statement conclusively confirming the alleged species mismatch or assigning accountability has been released.
