State Aims to Plant 2.25 Crore Saplings This Year
Chief Minister Hemant Soren advocates tree planting at Van Mahotsav, highlighting the need for environmental balance and citizen participation.
RANCHI – Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren called for citizen action in tree planting during the 75th Van Mahotsav celebration at Ranchi’s Biodiversity Park.
Soren emphasized the importance of individual contributions to environmental conservation.
He urged every citizen to plant at least one tree to help mitigate environmental damage.
The Chief Minister highlighted the contrast between progressive and destructive lifestyles, noting the replacement of natural forests with concrete structures.
"Nature warns us of imbalances through droughts, floods, and other disasters," Soren remarked.
He stressed the need for continuous efforts in environmental protection.
Soren cited the successful initiative of replacing bouquets with saplings at government functions, implemented 11 years ago.
The Forest Department has set an ambitious target of planting 2.25 crore saplings across Jharkhand this year.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Sanjay Srivastava outlined efforts to increase urban forest cover.
Ranchi city alone saw 80,000 saplings planted last year.
The ‘Nagar Van’ project is being developed in 30 locations across the state.
Srivastava encouraged citizens to plant trees before constructing houses.
Soren addressed the impact of environmental imbalance on agriculture due to changing weather patterns.
He called for year-round tree planting initiatives, not limited to the rainy season.
The Chief Minister provided battery-operated autos to four beneficiaries for campus visits at the Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology.
"If every person resolves to plant and save trees, we will definitely be able to protect the environment," Soren concluded.
