Uttar Pradesh Launches Massive Drive to Plant 35 Crore Saplings in a Day
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched the 'Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam' campaign, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings in a single day. Speaking at the inauguration in Gorakhpur, he expressed concern over environmental degradation and urged citizens to care for the planet.
“A mother is the most beautiful gift for every person. This gift is also present in the form of Mother Earth. We care for our own health but neglect the health of the Earth, on whom we depend,” Mr. Adityanath said. He stressed that tree plantation is vital for sustaining life and future generations.
The chief minister planted sacred 'Triveni' saplings—neem, peepal, and banyan—near the Bhagwanpur Toll Plaza on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway. He also planted a Maulshri sapling along the Tal Ring Road.
Mr. Adityanath highlighted the state’s shift to LED street lights, which he said saved the government Rs 100 crore and reduced carbon emissions. He also cited the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana', which provides solar panels, halving electricity bills and generating green energy. He noted that Ayodhya has become the state’s first solar city, with street lights and government buildings powered entirely by local solar energy.
Referring to the PM Ujjwala Yojana, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided free LPG connections to 10 crore families, including 2 crore in Uttar Pradesh. He added that the state’s forest cover has expanded over the past nine years, absorbing 6.37 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide and releasing 4.63 crore tonnes of oxygen.
Mr. Adityanath warned that environmental degradation has disrupted weather patterns, delaying the monsoon by nearly a month. This could reduce agricultural output by 25 to 30 per cent, he said. He also cautioned that global warming may submerge coastal cities and cause water shortages elsewhere.
The campaign is part of a broader effort: 242 crore saplings have been planted in the state over the past nine years, including 5 crore on World Environment Day this year. The chief minister called the plantation drive a “mahayagya” to express gratitude to Mother Earth.
