New Delhi, 05 June (H.S.):

On World Environment Day, leaders across the country participated in programmes to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainable development, and extended their greetings to the public. Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home and Co‑operation Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several other union ministers and state chief ministers called on citizens to play an active role in protecting nature, reiterating their commitment to conservation, tree planting, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development.

Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan, while conveying his World Environment Day wishes, highlighted the Indian civilizational tradition of living in harmony with nature. He said the message of the ancient Tamil text Tirukkural — “wise use of resources and protection of all life” — is more relevant today than ever. He urged people to make environmental protection a part of their lifestyle and to adopt the principles of sustainable development.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the environment is not only the basis of human life but also our greatest responsibility to future generations. He noted that the Indian Parliament is setting an example in environmental protection. Several initiatives have been successfully implemented in the parliamentary complex, including a paperless working system, a ban on single‑use plastics, a green parliamentary building and a cleaner campus.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India has achieved notable progress in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and advancing renewable energy. He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ campaign as a mass movement and urged citizens to plant more trees and contribute to environmental protection.

Union Home and Co‑operation Minister Amit Shah said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is moving rapidly in environmental protection and clean energy. He noted that India is now the world’s third‑largest nation in renewable energy capacity. Shah cited the National Green Hydrogen Mission, expansion of solar energy and afforestation as major national achievements that are driving economic growth alongside environmental protection.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on the occasion that “planting a tree means planting life.” He described tree planting as the simplest and most effective way to protect the environment and appealed to citizens to plant as many trees as possible. He said every citizen must contribute to keeping the Earth safe and balanced.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also called for collective resolve to protect and enhance the environment. He said that even small individual efforts can play a significant role in building a greener, cleaner and healthier future.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the launch of a statewide tree‑planting drive under the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ campaign. He listed initiatives such as the unveiling of the Maharshi Charak Medicinal Forest in Lucknow, a clean‑air management project, notification of 100 wetlands and the launch of the Tree Plantation Campaign‑2026 logo, saying the state government is working to convert environmental protection into a mass movement.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the mission for a clean, green and healthy Delhi is being accelerated through a mega plantation drive and the inauguration of 18 Namo Oxygen Parks. She urged Delhi residents to participate enthusiastically in the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ campaign.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasised the importance of nature in Indian culture and said conserving water, forests and land is a shared responsibility. He stressed the need for collective efforts to maintain environmental balance.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that for a clean environment, green growth and a secure future it is essential to prioritise tree planting, water conservation and balanced use of natural resources. He appealed to people to make environmental protection a mass movement.

Notably, World Environment Day was first observed on 5 June 1973 following the Stockholm Conference decision of 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly. Since then, 5 June is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about environmental protection, climate balance and conservation of natural resources.

World Environment Day is not merely a formal occasion but a collective pledge to safeguard the Earth and the future of coming generations. This year, too, the nation’s top leadership linked environmental protection with public participation and urged every citizen to fulfil their responsibility toward nature.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar