SAJID
Shahjahanpur: On the occasion of World Environment Day, a large-scale tree plantation drive was launched under the joint aegis of the Forest Department and District Ganga Committee at the Composite School in Dadraul Block. Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Class Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and District In-charge Minister Narendra Kashyap, inaugurated the campaign by planting a Harishankari sapling.
During the event, the Minister felicitated winners of environmental-themed painting and quiz competitions and distributed fruit-bearing saplings among schoolchildren and local residents.
Extending his greetings on World Environment Day, the Minister said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a special outreach campaign will be conducted from June 5 to June 21 to mark the completion of 12 years of the Central Government. The initiative aims to ensure that welfare schemes reach every section of society.
He informed that exhibitions showcasing public welfare schemes will be organized across all development blocks, while discussions with intellectuals and prominent citizens will focus on issues related to national development. He urged public representatives and government officials to effectively discharge their responsibilities during the 16-day campaign.
Highlighting the significance of International Yoga Day on June 21, the Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to promote the message of healthy living through yoga. He also appealed to citizens to actively participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting more trees and ensuring their protection.
Emphasizing environmental conservation, he stated that every citizen has a responsibility not only to plant saplings but also to nurture and safeguard them. Trees, he said, are the ornaments of the Earth and a precious legacy for future generations.
The Minister revealed that more than 800,000 saplings were being planted simultaneously across Shahjahanpur district on Thursday. The district has been assigned a target of planting over 4.4 million saplings this year. Across Uttar Pradesh, more than 50 million saplings are being planted in a single day, while the state has set an annual plantation target exceeding 370 million saplings.
He further noted that nearly 90 percent of the saplings planted in Uttar Pradesh have survived, reflecting growing public awareness and commitment towards environmental protection. Stressing the importance of post-plantation care, he said conservation is as crucial as plantation itself.
Speaking on the occasion, Dadraul MLA Arvind Kumar Singh said that extensive plantation activities are being undertaken throughout the district as part of World Environment Day celebrations. He urged citizens to join the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, emphasizing that tree plantation would contribute to improved oxygen levels and ecological balance in the future.
The MLA encouraged people to plant saplings on special occasions such as birthdays and family celebrations. He also appealed to residents to take a pledge to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care.
District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh stated that while over 50 million saplings are being planted across Uttar Pradesh on World Environment Day, Shahjahanpur alone is contributing 864,000 saplings to the campaign. Plantation activities are being carried out in every village of the district.
The District Magistrate informed that, in line with the government’s vision, a ‘Sahjan Van’ was developed in the district last year, while a ‘Bajrang Van’ is proposed for development this year. He encouraged children and residents to plant more trees and maintain them regularly.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Divisional Forest Officer Sachin Kumar.
At the time District BJP President K.C. Mishra, District Cooperative Bank Chairman D.P.S. Rathore, Metropolitan President Shilpi Gupta, Chief Development Officer Utkarsh Dwivedi, SP City Devendra Kumar, SDO Dr. Sushil Kumar, Block Chiefs, Block Development Officers, Basic Education Officer and several other public representatives and government officials. The programme was anchored by District Project Officer Dr. Vinay Kumar Saxena.
Were present.
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