Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a state-wide mega plantation campaign, announcing the government's ambitious plan to plant 52 crore saplings this year.
The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to boost green cover and environmental conservation across the state.
“This year we are going to plant 52 crore saplings... In the last 8 years, we have planted 204 crore trees, and over 75% of them are alive,” the Chief Minister said while addressing an event in Ayodhya.
Highlighting the positive outcomes of past afforestation drives, CM Yogi cited findings from a central government report. “Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sent its survey report that says the forest cover in Uttar Pradesh and the institutions that were declared as third party by the state, have also verified that forest cover increased in a 5 lakh acre area. This means we have moved from heatwave to green-wave, and in the future, we will be able to contribute to saving the planet,” he added.
To mark the occasion, the Chief Minister planted saplings in Rampur Halwara village on Dashrath Path in Ayodhya. He also took a selfie as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, aimed at raising environmental awareness and emotional connect with nature.
CM Yogi’s visit to Ayodhya began with prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple. Performing traditional rituals, he prayed for peace and prosperity in the state. He then proceeded to the Ram Mandir site, where he offered prayers at Ram Lalla’s sanctum sanctorum, performed aarti, and circumambulated the temple premises.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing construction work of the Ram Mandir. Officials from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust briefed him on the current progress and upcoming phases of the project, as per an official statement.
CM Yogi was accorded a warm welcome at the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport by public representatives and officials. This marks his first visit to Ayodhya in July, following his previous visit on June 5 for the inauguration of the Ram Darbar.