New Delhi, 21 June (H.S.):

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday participated in a special yoga session organised at the scenic Blue Lake area of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. She joined citizens in a mass yoga practice amid the sanctuary's rich natural surroundings and biodiversity.

As part of this year's celebrations, the Delhi Government organised simultaneous yoga programmes across all 70 Assembly constituencies under the theme One Delhi, One Yoga. Thousands of residents, including students, youth, women and senior citizens, participated enthusiastically in the events, promoting the message of healthy living and collective public participation through yoga.

The programme was attended by Delhi Cabinet Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, South Delhi Member of Parliament Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, senior officials from various departments, students, yoga instructors and a large number of citizens.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described yoga as a priceless heritage of Indian civilisation that fills every Indian with pride. She recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in 2014, a proposal that received overwhelming global support. Today, she said, people in nearly every country have embraced yoga as an integral part of their lives.

She emphasised that yoga is much more than physical exercise, describing it as a complete way of life that harmonises the body, mind and soul while enhancing human consciousness. Regular practice of yoga, she said, enables individuals to remain healthy, balanced and positive throughout their lives.

Highlighting the ecological significance of Asola Bhatti, Rekha Gupta said the area is one of Delhi's most valuable natural treasures, though many residents remain unaware of its beauty. She noted that the Blue Lake, expansive green forests, diverse wildlife and tranquil surroundings provide visitors with an experience comparable to that of a natural tourist destination far from the capital. The sanctuary is home to leopards, deer, nilgai, numerous bird species and other wildlife, making it an ideal destination for reconnecting with nature.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Environment and Forest Department in carrying out extensive afforestation and forest conservation initiatives in Asola Bhatti and the Southern Ridge. She said that while the area was once dominated by kikar and babul trees, indigenous species such as mango, neem, peepal and banyan are now being planted. These native, shade-giving and fruit-bearing trees will strengthen biodiversity and provide greater support for wildlife.

Following the yoga programme, Rekha Gupta visited the Viksit Bharat Nursery within the sanctuary premises, where she reviewed efforts to promote indigenous plant species, enhance biodiversity and expand Delhi's green cover. She also assessed the progress of plantation drives underway in Asola Bhatti and the Southern Ridge.

The Chief Minister announced that with the arrival of the monsoon in July, the Delhi Government will launch a large-scale public campaign titled Clean Delhi, Green Delhi. She said the government has set a target of planting seven million saplings this year, and the campaign will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Schools, colleges, institutions, social organisations and citizens will subsequently participate to transform the initiative into a mass movement.

Rekha Gupta also urged residents to draw inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign by pledging to plant trees. She said that a strong connection with both yoga and nature forms the foundation of a healthy, balanced and prosperous life.

Inviting Delhi residents to visit Asola Bhatti and experience its natural wealth firsthand, she said that time spent amidst nature provides energy, peace and positivity.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also interacted with personnel of the 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Eco Rajput Unit, deployed at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. She commended their contribution to environmental conservation and the protection of forest resources.

Encouraging the soldiers, Rekha Gupta said that in addition to safeguarding the nation's borders, the armed forces are also playing an inspiring role in protecting the country's natural heritage and forest ecosystems.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar