Yogi administers five pledges to the people of the state on World Environment Day*
Lucknow, June 5: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to citizens to remain vigilant against land mafia, forest mafia, mining mafia, and smugglers who harm nature and water resources. On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Chief Minister also administered five pledges to the people of the state. These included planting “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, protecting trees from miscreants and animals, conserving water, avoiding the use of single-use plastic, and adopting a lifestyle in harmony with nature.
Taking a swipe at irresponsible behaviour, the CM remarked that some people steal taps while others waste water, and such individuals should be stopped. He urged people to make water conservation a part of their daily lives and ensure that water is not wasted.
On Friday, CM Yogi inaugurated a seminar titled ‘Uttar Pradesh Me Jalwayu Parivartan Ki Chunautiyo Ka Samadhaan’ at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, “If there is water, there is a future, and if there are forests, there is life. The entire cycle of life is interconnected. Yet, humanity has neglected these resources the most.”
He stated, anyone above the age of 40 can clearly feel the price the world is paying for environmental degradation. Compared to 25 years ago, there is now a shift of nearly one to one-and-a-half months in weather cycles.
CM Yogi also informed, “India’s ancestors and sages had long cautioned humanity about environmental responsibilities. Indians consider themselves children of Mother Earth. Shri Ram’s words to Lakshman after the victory over Lanka, ‘Api swarnamayi Lanka na me Lakshmana rochate, janani janmabhumishcha swargadapi gariyasi’. Which means even though Lanka was made of gold, Shri Ram said it did not appeal to him because one’s mother and motherland are greater than heaven itself. Expressing gratitude and fulfilling duties toward the mother who gave birth to us and the land where we were born is our responsibility.”
According to the Chief Minister, Shri Ram’s message remains relevant for every Indian even today.
Referring to the rich natural environment of the Kukrail forest area, CM Yogi stated, temperatures there are noticeably lower than in Lucknow city. While Lucknow may record 45 degrees Celsius, Kukrail may remain at 40 degrees or even lower. He added that staying close to nature is essential for good health. The government removed illegal encroachments from Kukrail, and today the area is home to one of Lucknow’s most beautiful natural landscapes, ‘Saumitra Van’.
Referring to the World Environment Day 2026 theme, ‘Inspired by Nature for Climate for Our Future,’ the Chief Minister said that clean air, pure water, fertile land, and green forests are the lifelines of human civilization. Humanity can remain safe only when nature remains safe.
He recalled that in March 2017, the Forest Department’s nurseries had barely 5 lakh saplings available for plantation. Today, government and private nurseries together have prepared 55 crore saplings. He said that under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, 5 crore saplings are being planted across the state today. In July, a mega plantation drive will be organized, during which 35 crore saplings will be planted in a single day with public participation.
CM Yogi described global warming, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity as major challenges. Greenhouse gases and harmful particles are entering the environment and affecting human lungs. Harmful substances are mixing into the atmosphere, causing environmental damage and altering rainfall patterns. As a result, some areas face drought while others experience floods.
He noted that Surha Tal in Ballia, the sacred birthplace of great freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan, who raised the call against the Emergency, has now been recognized as the state’s 13th Ramsar site.
The Chief Minister also recalled that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur in 2021, he suggested to officials that the adjacent Chilua Tal should be conserved to ensure a reliable water source. .
He said that when he visited the lake 3 days ago at around 5 p.m., the temperature in Gorakhpur city was 45 degrees Celsius, but near the lake it felt below 35 degrees.
Emphasizing wetland conservation, the Chief Minister informed, the government has protected Ramgarh Tal, spread across about 1,400 acres, and Chilua Tal, spread across approximately 400-500 acres in Gorakhpur. These are natural water bodies.
The Chief Minister informed, “Gram Pradhan, chairpersons of urban local bodies, and mayors have a responsibility to protect and revive ponds, wells, and stepwells. These water bodies should be integrated into Gram Panchayat and municipal development plans, as they form the foundation of water conservation.”
The event was attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forests Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State for Forests KP Malik, Principal Secretary (Forest) V. Hekali Zhimomi, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board Chairman R.P. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Department Sunil Chaudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, and other senior officials.
