Ranchi: Water, forest and land have always been our means of living in Jharkhand. But, this system which has been going on for centuries is getting left behind in the race of indiscriminate development and urbanization. Today, the concrete jungle has replaced the forest covered with lush green trees. This is having a direct impact on our environment. The natural balance is deteriorating. If we still do not wake up, then we will have to be ready to face its serious consequences. Today, it is definitely important that we become a part of the campaign to plant as many trees as possible for environmental conservation and take a pledge to save trees. With the cooperation and participation of all, we can protect the natural system and keep human life safe. Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren said these things while addressing the 75th Van Mahotsav-2024 organized by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Gadhkhatanga, Ranchi today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister gave the message of environmental conservation by planting trees.
Changes will have to be made in lifestyle, friendship will have to be made with trees
The Chief Minister said that the way environmental protection is being challenged today, it is becoming a threat to the existence of humans, animals and the entire natural system. In such a situation, we have to decide whether we should move forward on the path of development by joining nature or by tampering with nature. If we have to move with nature, then we will have to change our lifestyle. We will have to befriend trees and take the responsibility of saving them. He told the people that if they build a house, then before that they must plant a tree there. If every person resolves to plant and save trees, then definitely we will be able to protect the environment.
Change cannot come in a day, but a start must be made
The Chief Minister said that today due to natural imbalance and interference with the environment, we are facing many natural disasters like floods and droughts. Agriculture is being affected due to the change in the weather cycle. In such a situation, there is a need for all of us to move forward in the direction of minimizing the damage to the natural system. For this, it is necessary to plant as many trees as possible, so that even a little of the damage that has been done to the natural system can be compensated.
We all became a part of Van Mahotsav
The Chief Minister said that there was a time when there was no need to celebrate Van Mahotsav in a state like Jharkhand. The entire state was covered with lush green trees. Forests were visible all around. But, as the pace of development increased, the forests started shrinking and this had a direct impact on the environment. This is the reason why a tradition of celebrating Van Mahotsav started today, which is still going on. It is also the need of the hour that all of us become a part of Van Mahotsav and play our part in the campaign of planting as many trees as possible.
Tree plantation campaign should be conducted throughout the year
The Chief Minister emphasized that the campaign of planting trees should not be limited to the rainy season only. The campaign of planting trees should be carried out in every season, whether it is winter, summer or rainy season. The continuous campaign of planting trees should never stop.
Forest committee members honored, coffee table book released
On this occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated the members of the forest committee who made significant contributions in the field of forest conservation and development by giving them prize money. On this occasion, he also released the coffee table book of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department. The Chief Minister provided battery operated autos to four beneficiaries for the people visiting the Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology to visit the campus.
Agriculture Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, MLA Rajesh Kachhap, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary of Forest Environment and Climate Change Department Vandana Dadel, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Srivastava and many senior officers of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department were present in the Forest Festival.