CM Yogi Adityanath today established ‘Pavitra Dhara Van’ by planting a sapling under the ‘Ek Vridh Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign in the premises of a fertilizer factory in Gorakhpur. He also distributed saplings to farmers on the occasion. He informed that about 32 crore saplings have been planted in the state from 7 am to 4 pm. The social workers, administrative officers and people’s representatives who participated in this Maha Abhiyan were appreciated.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that this is not just a tree plantation but an attempt to preserve the present and save the future generations. Underlining the dangers of climate change, he referred to the recent flood event in the US and said that anthropogenic activities are the main cause of abnormal rainfall, drought and weather imbalance.
Describing the efforts launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to tackle the climate crisis as successful, he said that in Uttar Pradesh, forest cover has been increased by 5 lakh hectares. While deforestation was on the rise before 2017, now with the government’s drastic steps and public participation, 204 crore saplings have been planted in the state – the largest effort by any state.
The government is also encouraging farmers, “he said. If the trees planted on the farm beds are safe for 5 years, then financial assistance of about 500 rupees ($6) per tree is being given. Last year, about Rs 32 lakh was distributed to 25,000 farmers and this year the amount will be Rs 42 lakh.
Under the campaign, a target has been set to plant trees on the banks of revived rivers, expressways, Amrit Sarovar etc. CM Yogi Adityanath also announced the restoration of Chiluatal, as was done with Ramgarhtal.
Speaking on the occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh said that since 2017, the state has reached the second position in the country by planting trees on 5 lakh hectares of land. He informed that there is no drought situation in Bundelkhand now due to water harvesting.
The Minister of State for Forests, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena said that planting trees is necessary to prevent the ill-effects of climate change. He called upon the farmers to plant trees on every farm bed so that income as well as environmental protection could be possible.
MP Ravi Kishan, Minister of State K. P. Malik and other public representatives and senior officials were present on the occasion.