Ayodhya,
9 July (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dedicated Banyan, Neem
and Peepal saplings to Lord Shri Ram, Mother Earth and Mother by planting them
under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign at Triveni Vatika on the banks of the
Saryu River in Rampur Halwara. In a public meeting held on the holy land of
Ayodhya, he emphasized the importance of this campaign against environmental
protection and climate change. The Chief Minister said that in the last eight
years, Uttar Pradesh has made unprecedented progress towards environmental
protection. During this period, 204 crore saplings were planted, out of which
75 percent of the plants are alive. As a result, forest cover has increased by
5 lakh acres in the state. CM Yogi said that we have converted heatwave into
greenwave. This effort is not only helpful in keeping the environment clean but
is also contributing significantly in reducing the ill effects of climate
change. Quoting scientist Jagadish Chandra Basu, he said that trees also have
life and they play an important role in shade, fruits, soil conservation and
pollution control.
Importance
of 'One tree in the name of mother' campaign explained: CM Yogi described the
'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign as a symbol of gratitude towards Mother Earth and
the mother who gave birth. Quoting the Vedic proclamation 'Mata Bhoomi:
Putroham Prithviyah', he said that a true son is the one who serves and
protects his mother. Under this campaign, the people of the state started
planting saplings with enthusiasm from 7 am. Yogi said that this campaign is a
resolution to improve the present and secure the future. Trees will protect us
from the ill effects of pollution, respiratory diseases and carbon emissions.
Revealed
scientific approach against climate change: Describing climate change as a
global challenge, the Chief Minister said that incidents like excessive
rainfall, drought and cloudburst are the result of unplanned development. He
mentioned a recent incident in Texas, America, where hundreds of children went
missing in a sudden flood. CM Yogi stressed that a balance can be established
between development and environmental protection through planned and scientific
efforts. He informed that in this campaign started eight years ago, only 5
crore saplings were available initially, but with the cooperation of Forest
Department, MNREGA and private sector, 52 crore saplings have been prepared
today.
Increase
in farmers' income and getting benefit of carbon credit: The plantation
campaign has not only benefited the environment but has also strengthened the
economic condition of the farmers. CM Yogi said that through carbon financing,
farmers are being given $6 per tree for five years. Last year more than 25
thousand farmers got this benefit and this year Rs 42 lakh will be provided to
the farmers of seven commissionerates in the form of carbon credit. On this
occasion, those farmers were honored who contributed to planting and taking
care of the trees.
Ayodhya
has been transformed and the dream of Solar City has come true: Expressing
pride over the changing face of Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said
that this ancient city is becoming a center of attraction for the country and
the world today. He said that the Ayodhya which was once deserted is today
moving towards the splendor of Treta Yuga. Referring to making Ayodhya the
country's first solar city, he said that efforts like international airport and
forest development through Miyawaki method are enriching it further. Those who
contributed to the revival of Tilodki river were also honored.
Expressed
commitment to realize the vision of PM Modi: The Chief Minister praised Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's vision of environmental protection and said that this
campaign started under his leadership has played an important role in taking
Uttar Pradesh towards a green future. He described steps like removing stoves
and replacing them with gas cylinders, LED lights and ban on single-use plastic
as important for protecting Mother Earth. CM Yogi said that after the Pran
Pratishtha of Shri Ram Temple by PM Modi last year, the launch of the
plantation campaign in Ayodhya this year holds special significance.
Call
for statewide participation: Appreciating the active participation of all
public representatives and the people of the state in this campaign, Yogi said
that this campaign will run till 7 pm. He appealed to everyone to join this
great campaign and contribute to environmental protection. Reiterating his
commitment to the development of Ayodhya, he said that I am always with
Ayodhya. This campaign will give more glory to Ayodhya on the world stage.
Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi