CM Yogi Adityanath said that with the inspiration of , the Uttar Pradesh government has been faithfully discharging its responsibilities towards Mother Earth for the last eight years. In this sequence, the ‘Ek Tree Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign has been launched in Ayodhya Dham, which is an important step towards environmental conservation and protection of future generations. An example of public participation was seen in this campaign, where about 16 crore saplings were planted from 7 am to 12 noon.
CM Yogi set up a Triveni Vatika at Kishkindha forest in Ayodhya and planted saplings of Neem, Peepal and Banyan. Referring to the mantra ‘Mata Bhumi: Putro Aham Bhumi: “he said that service and protection of Mother Earth is the dharma of every citizen. Referring to the challenges of environmental crises and climate change, he stressed the need for development with a planned and scientific approach.
CM Yogi said that this year there is a plan to plant 52 crore saplings in the state, out of which a target has been set to plant 37 crore saplings in a day. In the last eight years, 204 crore saplings have been planted, out of which 75% are alive. According to reports, the green cover has expanded to 5 lakh acres in the state and Uttar Pradesh has now moved from heatwave to greenwave.
Talking about the multifaceted benefits of trees, CM Yogi said that trees not only give shade, fruits and wood, but also protect the soil and environment. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, several concrete steps have been taken in the country like energy conservation and pollution control, including ban on LED lights, LPG connections, and single-use plastic.
CM Yogi referred to the success of linking farmers with the Carbon Credit Financing Scheme, under which plantation farmers are getting payment at the rate of six dollars per tree. This year, an amount of Rs 42 lakh will be distributed among the farmers.
Recalling the works of scientist Jagadish Chandra Basu, CM Yogi said that plants also have life, and there has been a tradition of worship of trees in Indian culture. He said that Ayodhya is now being developed in a new form and work is being done to make it the first solar city of the country. With wide roads, beautiful ghats and facilities like international airport, Ayodhya is becoming a confluence of pilgrimage and modernity.
Finally, he started the programme after paying obeisance at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi temple. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State for Environment Dr Arun Kumar Saxena and Mayor of Ayodhya were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.