CM Yogi Adityanath: An elephant named ‘Ganga’ has been rescued and kept in the Elephant Rescue Centre, and this zoological park is spread over an area of 121 acres.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Elephant Rescue Centre and Butterfly Garden at Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur today. He named the tiger brought from the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve as’ Kesari ‘, and the male wolf as’ Bhairav ‘and the female wolf as’ Bhairavi ‘from a pair of wolves brought from Bahraich. A coffee table book was also released on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that he had got the opportunity to be a part of several programmes held at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur, including the launch of an elephant rescue centre. An elephant named ‘Ganga’ has been rescued and kept in this centre. A tiger brought from the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and two wolves that recently attacked people in Bahraich have also been rescued at the zoo for visitors.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that this zoological park is spread over an area of 121 acres and has more than 350 animals, including animals and birds as well as many other types of fauna. “If we treat any animal well, it wants to come to us instinctively. Only by maintaining a balance with nature can we keep our lives in order. He also said that if we treat the environment, wildlife, animals and birds sensitively, well and environmentally friendly, nature provides us with a healthy and wholesome environment. The double engine government has launched many important programmes in this direction.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that in the last 7-8 years, the state government has undertaken a massive plantation drive in the state, as a result of which the forest cover in Uttar Pradesh has increased and it is continuously increasing. Besides, Jatayu Conservation Centre has been set up at Campierganj, and a Forestry University will also be built here soon.
CM Yogi Adityanath also said that today’s need is that the new generation should be fully informed about the importance of the environment. We have to avoid the dangerous causes of environmental imbalance so that the future of the present and the coming generation is safe. A complete ban on single-use plastic, not using it and getting rid of it will only protect the environment. We have to actively try to save the environment so that we and the future generations can be safe. He also said that with the increasing population, the needs of humans are increasing, so every person should plant and take care of at least 10 plants every year. At the same time, we should associate ourselves with measures for environmental protection.
CM Yogi Adityanath also stressed on the need to promote rainwater harvesting so that rainwater is conserved and unnecessary wastage of water is prevented. At the same time, it is important to protect water from contamination. The zoo was inaugurated on March 27, 2021, and since then, around 30 lakh people, including 10 lakh students, have visited the zoo, and the number is steadily increasing.
It reflects people’s awareness and sensitivity towards the environment. The better we treat nature, the brighter our future will be. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Shri Arun Kumar Saxena said that under the able leadership of the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as an excellent state where the youth are getting employment. In the last 7-8 years, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the growth engine of the country. Ramgarhtal has now become a centre of attraction for tourists, where national and international level sailing competitions are being held. Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority is playing a leading role in boosting the economy of the state and providing employment. There is also a wetland in the zoo, where birds from far and wide come. The Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Shri K. P. Malik, Member of Parliament, Shri Ravi Kishan Shukla and other public representatives and senior officers of the administration were present on the occasion.