Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Day event at Sanjay Auditorium, Aranya Bhawan, saw state environment, forest & climate change minister Dr. Prem Kumar and department’s secretary Bandana Preyashi inaugurate the program by lighting a lamp and watering a plant. The occasion included a discussion on nursery creation and intensive plantation, with representatives from various departments.
Dr. Prem Kumar highlighted the importance of planting trees with the cooperation of all state departments and the public. He emphasized the necessity of collective efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Currently, the green cover stands at 15%, with plans to expand to 17% by 2028. He underscored the numerous benefits of trees, from providing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide to preventing soil erosion and enhancing life expectancy.
Bandana shared the department’s efforts for environmental balance and enhancement, particularly through intensive tree plantation and nursery management. She called for collective action to combat climate change and detailed the department’s initiatives, including planting 5 crore saplings, with 1.84 crore already planted. She urged stakeholders to participate in departmental programs and schemes to support the carbon reduction action plan by 2070.
During the discussion, Dr. Chanchala Kumari from the Agriculture Department elaborated on dry horticulture and tree plantation efforts. An officer from the Water Resources Department discussed tree planting along canal banks and the Ganga Water Supply Scheme. Forest officers Medha Yadav and Manish Kumar Verma shared insights on sapling preparation, nursery management, and soil conservation efforts in their respective districts.
The event included participation from principal forest officers and employees from all districts via video conferencing. Nodal Officer Abhay Kumar welcomed the attendees, and Ram Kumar Poddar, Mission Deputy Director, addressed the gathering. R.K. Sinha concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The Bihar government organizes Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Day on the first Tuesday of every month, focusing on different environmental topics.
