Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Environment and Forests Minister Dr. Prem Kumar marked Bihar Vriksha Suraksha Diwas by symbolically tying Raksha Bandhan threads to trees, reinforcing their commitment to environmental conservation. This observance, which coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, underscores the state’s dedication to protecting its natural resources.
On Monday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tied a protective thread around a “Bombax Ippolitica” tree at Rajdhani Vatika in Patna, following it with the planting of a ‘Doranda’ plant at the same location. This act of conservation has deep roots, dating back to 13 August 2012, when the Chief Minister inaugurated Bihar Vriksha Suraksha Diwas. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about environmental preservation, encouraging the planting and protection of trees to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Bihar’s green cover, large-scale tree plantation drives are being implemented under various state schemes, including Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali. The state is also making strides in promoting eco-tourism, a testament to the growing environmental consciousness among Bihar’s residents, fostered by government initiatives.
Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, also participated in the day’s events by leading a Raksha-Sutra ceremony at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna Zoo. During the event, symbolic Rakhis were tied to several heritage trees in the park, including Kusum, Peepal, Banyan, Semal, and Siris—trees that have stood as witnesses to the park’s history since its inception.
