UP has moved from heat wave to green wave in 8 years: Yogi
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Ayodhya: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant rise in forest cover over the past eight years and marked a shift 'from heat wave to green wave'.
Speaking at a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign in Ayodhya, Yogi said over 204 crore saplings were planted in eight years, with a remarkable 75% survival rate. "This massive effort led to 5 lakh acre increase in the state's forest cover," he added.
The CM planted saplings of banyan, neem, and peepal at Triveni Vatika on the banks of the Saryu river and dedicated them to Lord Ram, Mother Earth, and 'Janmadayini Maa (all mothers)'.
"Last year, Lord Ram was enthroned once again in Ayodhya after 500 years. Today, through this massive plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, we are taking this mission forward," he added
Addressing a public gathering on the sacred soil of Rampur Halwara, he said UP govt's campaign will go a long way in tackling climate change and promoting environment conservation.
Quoting noted scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose, Yogi said trees possess life and serve vital functions, providing shade, fruits, conserving soil, and reducing pollution.
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Describing the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign as an expression of gratitude towards Mother Earth and all mothers, Yogi cited the Vedic verse "Mata bhumi: Putro aham prithivyah" (Earth is my mother, and I am her son). He said that a true son protects and serves his mother.
The CM said plantation drive is a pledge to improve the present and safeguard the future, as trees offer protection against pollution, respiratory ailments and the harmful effects of carbon emissions.
Highlighting the dual challenge of development and climate change, Yogi said the world is facing natural disasters due to unplanned and unscientific development. "Yesterday, I heard a news report from Texas, USA, where sudden river flooding swept away children attending a camp. Hundreds are still missing. This is the cost of ignoring the environment for the sake of unplanned development," he said.
He said that when the campaign began eight years ago, only 5 crore saplings were available.
Today, thanks to the collective efforts of the forest department, MGNREGA, and private sector partners, 52 crore saplings were available for plantation.
Calling the plantation campaign not just an environmental boon, but also a catalyst for rural prosperity, he said that under the carbon financing initiative, farmers are receiving $6 per tree for a period of five years. He said that over 25,000 farmers benefited from the scheme last year, and this year, Rs 42 lakh in carbon credits will be distributed among farmers across seven commissionerates.
He added that India has long held a spiritual connection with trees. "We have worshipped trees since ancient times, with different trees associated with different deities. Traditional gardens like 'Navgrah Vatika' and 'Sankari Vatika' have been part of our culture," he said.
'PM's initiatives steering UP towards greener future'
The CM lauded PM Narendra Modi's visionary leadership in environmental protection and credited PM's initiatives for steering Uttar Pradesh towards a greener future.
Measures like replacing traditional stoves with LPG cylinders and banning single-use plastics have been crucial in safeguarding Mother Earth, he said.
'Ayodhya becoming India's first solar city'
Expressing pride in Ayodhya's transformation, Yogi said the once-quiet city is now emerging as a major centre of global and national interest. "Ayodhya is steadily regaining its Treta Yuga glory," he said. "As the capital of the Suryavansh (Solar Dynasty), Ayodhya is being developed as the country's first solar-powered city," he said. Reaffirming his commitment to Ayodhya's holistic development, the CM said, "I am always with Ayodhya.
The plantation campaign will further elevate its prestige on the global stage."
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