UP’s forest cover increased under BJP govt, state moving from ‘heat wave to green wave’: CM Yogi

Ayodhya (UP), Jul 9 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the state has seen a significant rise in forest cover over the past eight years, marking a shift “from heat wave to green wave”.

Speaking at a plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign in Ayodhya, the chief minister said that 16 crore saplings were planted across the state in just five hours -- from 7 AM till 12 noon - as part of the mass afforestation initiative.

The state has set a target of planting a record 37 crore saplings on Wednesday under the campaign, which will continue till 7 PM.

“We have carried out the plantation of 204 crore plants in the past eight years, and more than 75 per cent of these are still surviving,” Adityanath said, citing data from the Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and third-party agencies, which he said confirmed the increase in the state's green cover.

"Now we have moved from heat wave to green wave," he added.

“Eight years ago, the forest department did not have enough saplings. There were only five crore plants available for plantation in the first year.

"Today, with support from MGNREGA, private nurseries and inter-departmental coordination, we have 52 crore saplings available. This reflects how we have achieved more than ten times from our earlier position,” he added.

Highlighting the dual challenge of development and climate change, the chief minister 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.

Adityanath called for a balanced approach to development and environmental conservation.

“With scientific and planned efforts, we can ensure both development and environmental protection. By safeguarding the health of Mother Earth, we secure a brighter future for humanity,” he said.

Recalling that India was the first to demonstrate that plants have life, referring to the work of scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose, the chief minister said, “When we respect the life of a tree, it blesses us in return. A tree gives us shade, fruit, timber, conserves soil and purifies the environment.” He also mentioned that many farmers in the state have begun to benefit from carbon credits.

“Those who registered trees planted five years ago are now receiving USD 6 per tree annually for five years through carbon financing in collaboration with international agencies,” he said.

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 like Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga. Traditional gardens like ‘Navgrah Vatika’ and ‘Sankari Vatika’ have been part of our culture,” he said.

Referring to Ayodhya’s transformation, Adityanath said the holy city is being developed into India’s first solar city. “As the capital of the Suryavansh (Solar Dynasty), Ayodhya is being developed as the country’s first solar-powered city,” he said.

He also mentioned that the plantation drive included trees from the Ramayana era that are being planted to honour Lord Ram and the cultural heritage of Ayodhya.

“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. PTI ABN APL RT