Yogi Adityanath urges people to protect public property and join tree plantation drive

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called on people to protect public property, save water, and take part in environmental conservation while launching the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in Lucknow on World Environment Day. The campaign aims to plant five crore saplings across the state in a single day and is part of a larger effort to improve the environment and increase green cover in Uttar Pradesh.

The chief minister said that every citizen has a responsibility towards nature and the environment. He stressed that protecting the earth is important for ensuring a healthy and secure future for coming generations. According to him, environmental conservation is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every individual.

Focus on protecting public property

During the event, Yogi Adityanath spoke about the importance of protecting government assets and public property. He said that facilities created for public welfare should be used responsibly and should not be damaged.

While discussing the Har Ghar Nal Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing tap water to households, the chief minister mentioned that authorities had found cases where water taps had been stolen or damaged. Referring to such incidents, he used the term “toti chor” and urged people to stop such practices.

Although he did not directly name anyone, his remarks were widely seen as a political attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The phrase has been used by the BJP in the past during political exchanges between the two leaders.

The chief minister said that damaging public infrastructure harms society as a whole. Government projects are funded by public money, and therefore every citizen has a duty to protect them. He appealed to people to remain alert and report any activity that causes damage to government property.

Yogi also highlighted the importance of water conservation. He requested citizens not to waste water and to ensure that taps are properly closed when not in use. According to him, saving water today is necessary to avoid shortages in the future.

He said that water is one of the most valuable natural resources and should be used carefully. Even small efforts by individuals can make a significant difference in preserving water resources.

ALSO READ: Influencer’s missing dog was stolen, sold and killed despite ₹1.4 lakh reward offer

ALSO READ: Israel and Lebanon renew ceasefire after US-backed talks, opening door for Iran negotiations

Massive plantation campaign

The chief minister launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign as part of the state's celebrations of World Environment Day. The initiative encourages people to plant a tree in the name of their mother as a symbol of gratitude and respect.

Under the campaign, Uttar Pradesh has set a target of planting five crore saplings in a single day. The government hopes that the programme will inspire people across the state to actively participate in environmental protection.

Yogi Adityanath said that planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the environment. Trees help reduce pollution, improve air quality, provide shade, conserve water, and support wildlife. They also play an important role in fighting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The chief minister noted that Uttar Pradesh has made significant progress in plantation efforts over the past several years. He said that under the Van Mahotsav programme, the state has planted around 242 crore saplings during the last nine years.

According to him, when the BJP government came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, one of its early goals was to increase green cover through large-scale plantation drives. In its first year, the government had set a target of planting five crore saplings.

Since then, plantation campaigns have become a regular feature of the state's environmental programmes. Officials believe these efforts have contributed to improving forest cover and creating greater awareness about environmental protection.

The chief minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which was launched three years ago. The campaign encourages people to plant a tree in honour of their mothers and to recognise the importance of nature in human life.

Yogi said the initiative carries a deeper message about gratitude towards both one's mother and motherland. He added that caring for nature reflects respect for the values and traditions that have guided Indian society for centuries.

During his speech, he quoted the famous Sanskrit phrase, “Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi,” which means that one’s mother and motherland are greater than heaven. He said this message reminds people of their duty towards their families, society, and environment.

The chief minister urged citizens, students, social organisations, and government departments to actively participate in plantation activities. He said that if every person plants and cares for at least one tree, the combined effort can have a major positive impact on the environment.

He also encouraged people not only to plant trees but to ensure their survival through proper care and maintenance. According to him, protecting planted saplings is just as important as planting them.

Concluding his address, Yogi Adityanath appealed to people across Uttar Pradesh to make environmental conservation a part of their daily lives. He said that by protecting public property, saving water, and planting trees, citizens can contribute to building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The chief minister expressed confidence that with public participation and collective effort, Uttar Pradesh can continue to strengthen its environmental initiatives and set an example for other states in the country.