Uttar Pradesh: 2-Day National Climate Conclave Inaugurated By CM Yogi

On Monday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the two-day National Climate Conclave-2023 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where he emphasized the significance of environmental conservation. He stated that while development is imperative, we cannot ignore our obligations toward the environment and nature.

Furthermore, Adityanath highlighted the negative repercussions that arise from the excessive exploitation of nature by humanity for personal gains. He acknowledged that we are presently facing these consequences and we must take responsibility for our actions and take measures to protect our planet.

During the inauguration of the two-day National Climate Conclave-2023 at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, the Chief Minister expressed that Indian tradition has always been mindful of the environment. He cited a hymn from the Atharva Veda, which states that we are all children of the earth and, therefore, should feel a sense of connection to it. He further added that it is unnecessary to state what a child's duty towards their mother is, as it is inherently understood.

Yogi drew attention to the issue of climate change and remarked that "The world is currently confronted with this challenge." He further mentioned that people may have observed a sudden increase in heavy rainfall. In the past, the monsoon season usually began around June 15th, but last year, there was no rainfall in June, very little in July, and drought in August. The monsoon finally arrived in October, which was the first time in many years that a flood occurred during that month and had to be dealt with.

The Chief Minister explained that he had not witnessed floods in October for the past 25 to 30 years, but they occurred this time. Similarly, in March this year, there was rainfall, but unfortunately, it wasn't during the time when the farmers required water, instead, it happened when it was time to harvest the crops, resulting in significant damage.

“It highlights the negative consequences of climate change. Because of what man has done to the environment out of selfishness, we are now suffering from its side effects”, the CM added.

The Chief Minister proudly asserted that India is currently leading the way in this direction, and he takes pride in it. He went on to highlight that Uttar Pradesh, which is the most densely populated state in India, boasts an abundance of water resources and fertile land, and has, at one point in time, even had ample forest coverage.

CM reasoned, “Forests were cut down as a result of the population boom. When the government was formed, I got a chance to go to the ‘Van Mahotsav’. I asked the department to proceed with it as a campaign. Five crore saplings were to be planted as the initial goal, and ten crores the following year. We accomplished a great deal by planting 133 crore saplings over the past six years.”

According to his statement, there has been a rise in forest coverage in the state during the past six years, accompanied by an increase in public awareness.

“The Prime Minister has started several campaigns for water conservation. Every gram panchayat and every district were targeted to make 75 Amrit Sarovar within the state as a part of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. It is a pleasure that this campaign started in every village in UP and 8,000 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed,” he said.

Yogi observed that the Forest Department initiated a drive to plant trees in the vicinity of lakes. He further mentioned that he had urged the Forest Department in 2019 to safeguard mature trees by identifying them as heritage trees, in addition to the plantation of fresh saplings.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental responsibilities. While acknowledging the need for progress, he stressed the necessity of preserving nature and the environment. The state of UP has already introduced metro systems in several cities and implemented a policy to scrap diesel and petrol vehicles, gradually transitioning to electric vehicles and promoting green energy. Additionally, UP is currently a top producer of ethanol. The Chief Minister urged everyone to work together to continue advancing such programs.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh expressed his encouragement for natural farming and highlighted the positive results of the Namami Gange project. He pointed out that prior to 2017, the Ganges river had lost its population of dolphins. However, due to recent efforts, dolphins are now visible from Prayagraj to Buxar. Furthermore, the reduction of sewage discharge from Kanpur has been significant - with a drastic decrease of 14 crore litres, meaning no sewage flows into the river.

The Chief Minister highlighted the deplorable condition of the Sangam River during previous governments. He recounted an incident from 2013 when the Prime Minister of Mauritius visited the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and was appalled by the filth on the Sangam beach. He was forced to bow down from a distance and leave without taking a dip.

However, the Chief Minister shared that in 2019, during the 'Pravasi Bharatiya program' in Varanasi, he had invited the Prime Minister of Mauritius to visit Prayagraj. The Mauritian Prime Minister, upon reaching the Sangam and witnessing lakhs of people taking a holy dip, was delighted and a delegation of 400 people joined him in taking the holy dip. This was a significant improvement from the earlier condition of the river.

The government of Uttar Pradesh has taken steps to safeguard cows and promote poison-free farming by adopting a cow-based farming approach. As part of this initiative, over 1.30 lakh hectares of land across 27 districts and Bundelkhand region along the Ganges River are being utilized for organic and natural farming practices.

Moreover, the state government has appointed the forest department as its principal department to carry out a tree plantation drive, with a target of planting 35 crore trees in the first week of July.

The Union Cabinet Minister for Labour and Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, expressed his satisfaction in the progress of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in line with the objectives set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Minister Yadav stated that the Climate Conclave 2023 event being held for two days would be a significant step forward in the field of environmental protection.

-ANI

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