Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on June 5 launched a campaign to plant 1,00,000 saplings under the JP Ganga Path Comprehensive Garden Project, marking World Environment Day with a call for greater public participation in environmental conservation.
The Chief Minister planted a sapling at the launch event and appealed to citizens to plant a tree in their mother’s name. He also flagged off awareness vehicles of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which will travel across Bihar to promote environmental awareness and encourage tree plantation.
Five environmentalists were honoured during the programme for their contributions to agroforestry and environmental conservation.
Focus on Environmental Protection
Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said environmental conservation requires collective action and sustained commitment. He said the plantation drive along JP Ganga Path would help create a significant green corridor and improve environmental conditions in the area.
He said the development of green spaces along the corridor, including the ongoing plantation work and the jogging track, would contribute to public health and environmental sustainability.
“Life will remain secure only if we all come together to plant as many trees as possible,” the Chief Minister said.
Forest Cover Expansion in Bihar
The Chief Minister said Bihar’s forest cover had been less than 10 per cent following the creation of Jharkhand. He credited former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s initiatives with expanding green cover through large-scale plantation drives.
According to Choudhary, around 43 crore trees have been planted in Bihar since 2005 under various government programmes aimed at increasing forest cover and strengthening environmental protection.
He urged residents to plant trees in memory of their mothers, including those whose mothers are no longer alive, as a symbolic contribution to environmental conservation.
Incentives for Electric Vehicles
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation.
He said the government is providing a subsidy of Rs 12,000 for the purchase of electric scooters and Rs 1 lakh for four-wheeled electric vehicles. These incentives are aimed at encouraging the adoption of cleaner modes of transport and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Rooftop Solar Expansion Plan
Choudhary said Bihar is moving towards the large-scale installation of rooftop solar power systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
He announced that solar panels would be installed on the rooftops of five lakh households in the first phase. Under the scheme, the Government of India will provide financial assistance of Rs 33,000 per household, while the state government will cover the remaining cost.
Implementation is expected to begin this month after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Centre.
The Chief Minister said the state aims to extend solar power generation facilities to 50 lakh families over the next two years. Households generating more than 125 units of electricity through solar systems will be able to sell surplus power to the government, with payments transferred directly to their bank accounts.
He added that women associated with the Jeevika self-help group network would be involved in the programme and receive incentives for their participation.
