Gorakhpur: Launching the statewide plantation drive, Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026 from Gorakhpur, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that maintaining a balance between development and environment conservation, the state govt focused on expanding forest cover while developing infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh.With a record target of planting 35 crore saplings in a single day under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the CM planted the sacred Triveni (Neem, Peepal and Banyan) saplings near Bhagwanpur toll plaza on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway and also took a selfie.Addressing a public gathering organised at GIDA Sector-28, Yogi said, “The campaign is a ‘mahayagya’ to express gratitude to Mother Earth. Over the past nine years, along with the rapid pace of physical development in the state, forest cover has also expanded.”On his way back to Gorakhnath Temple, the CM also planted a Moulsari sapling along the Tal Ring Road.“Since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has been witnessing massive infrastructure development. Along with expressways and highways, an extensive network of roads has been laid. New industries have been established. The scope of urbanisation has expanded and new colonies have been developed,” Yogi said.“While making a rapid contribution to physical development, this state has also achieved success in expanding forest cover through committed efforts towards environmental conservation,” he added.The CM said that one tree absorbs hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide. “Over the past nine years, the increase in UP’s forest cover has resulted in the absorption of 6.37 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide and the emission of 4.63 crore tonnes of oxygen,” he said.Terming the campaign as a move to express gratitude to Mother Earth, Yogi said that every individual should contribute to ensure a clean environment.“Mother Earth provides all of us with a healthy environment. She gives us the opportunity to move forward, food to fill our stomachs, delicious fruits, water to drink, and fulfils all the necessities of our homes. To fulfil our responsibility towards Mother Earth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given the call for ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.’ It is a national duty to make the future of the coming generations beautiful,” Yogi said.“We worry about our own health, but we do not care about the health of Mother Earth, who gives us everything. Plantation is extremely essential for the continuity of all living beings for eternity,” he remarked.Yogi said that on the PM’s call, 5 crore saplings were planted this year on World Environment Day, and more than 35 crore saplings were planted last year.“So far, 242 crore saplings have been planted in the state over the past nine years,” he claimed.The CM pointed out that the crisis looming over the environment was affecting the weather cycle. “Monsoon has begun nearly a month late. Seeds that should have been sown by June 15 will now be sown on July 15, resulting in a difference of 25% to 30% in production,” he said.Yogi highlighted that due to environmental imbalance, there was extreme heat at times and severe cold at others. “Warnings about global warming are being issued continuously. There are apprehensions that in the future many cities along the seacoast may face submergence, while other places may suffer severe water scarcity,” he said.The CM said that during the winter season, there were many cities where conditions were like a gas chamber.“Alerts are issued advising the elderly, the sick and children not to step outside, and if necessary, to wear masks. Why has such a situation arisen? Because nature has been tampered with. Trees were cut indiscriminately, water was overexploited, but no effort was made towards water conservation,” Yogi said.The CM said that when the BJP’s double-engine govt came to power in 2017, a campaign was launched to replace halogen lights with environment-friendly LED streetlights.“At least 16 lakh LED streetlights were installed across the state, resulting in savings of Rs 100 crore for the state govt. The govt is promoting renewable energy. Under the PM Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana, people’s electricity bills are being reduced by half,” he said.The CM appealed to the people to not only plant saplings but also ensure their proper care. “Plant at least one sapling in memory of your ancestors and loved ones, and in the name of your family members,” he said.“Farmers who plant trees in their fields also receive financial benefits under the carbon credit finance scheme,” he saidYogi also released a short film ‘Uttar Pradesh Ke 9 Varsh Ki Harit Gatha’ and a forestry calendar on this occasion.The CM also presented Moringa saplings to beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana, for planting in front of their homes.On this occasion, minister of state (independent charge) for forest and environment Arun Kumar Saxena said, “According to the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun report, Uttar Pradesh has advanced to second place in the country in terms of increase in greenery.”Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan said, “PM Modi and CM Yogi are extremely sensitive towards environmental conservation. They continuously inspire people to undertake plantation.”Sahjanwa MLA Pradeep Shukla said, “Under the guidance of the chief minister, Sahjanwa Assembly constituency is witnessing unprecedented development.”
