“Won’t let society fragment, will crush anti-national and anti-social forces”, says CM Yogi

Azamgarh, July 9:Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Azamgarh on Wednesday, issued a firm warning to the anti-social and anti-national elements, asserting that the government is taking decisive action against those involved in such activities. Citing a recent arrest in Balrampur, he said, “We apprehended a criminal yesterday who was exploiting Hindu women and bargaining over their dignity. Such elements are now being dealt with sternly. We will not allow society to fragment and will crush all anti-national and anti-social forces.”

He added, “We will protect Mother Earth’s health and keep every mother’s memory alive.” During his visit, CM Yogi established a Harishankari Vatika along the expressway in Kerma village, Sathiyawan block of Azamgarh. The district was assigned a target of 60 lakh saplings, and the Chief Minister personally planted the 60th lakh sapling. He expressed gratitude to the people of Azamgarh and the state for making this campaign a success, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that despite heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ayodhya, the plantation campaign continued with great enthusiasm. “Since 7 AM today, we have planted 22 crore saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative,” he said. “This means that a tree has been planted in the name of every resident of Uttar Pradesh—our collective tribute to ourselves and to Mother Earth.”

He added, “The Earth is not merely a piece of land—in India, we share a deep spiritual bond with her. Our sages and saints have instilled in us the values that connect us to Mother Earth. If she is healthy, we are healthy; if she falls ill, it endangers all life.” Describing the plantation campaign as a sacred mission, the Chief Minister said it aims to restore the Earth’s health while preserving the cherished memory of the Mother.

The Chief Minister noted that the campaign began eight years ago under PM Modi’s guidance as a response to climate change and extreme weather. “Since then, Uttar Pradesh has planted over 204 crore saplings. Both national and international institutions now recognise that forest cover in UP is increasing. In 2017, UP’s forest cover was just 9%. Today, it has increased to 10%.”

Referring to the period before 2017, the CM said that large-scale deforestation and illegal mining by forest and mining mafias had led to lawlessness and environmental degradation. “There was no development, only destruction,” he remarked. In contrast, he said, the present initiative is transforming heatwaves into greenwaves.

Recalling the early stages of the plantation drive, CM Yogi said that in 2017, the Forest department informed him that there weren’t even nurseries for 5 crore saplings. “Today, nurseries under the Forest department and private sector together have prepared 52 crore saplings of various species. This journey from five crore to 52 crore reflects not just the growth of nurseries, but the progress of Uttar Pradesh.”

He said Azamgarh has sent many prominent leaders to Parliament, “but it was only after Nirahua became MP that expressways, a university in the name of Maharaja Suheldev, a music college, and extensive road networks became a reality.”

The CM also mentioned that under the PM Awas and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana and Zero Poverty Programme, selected beneficiaries are planting sahjan (drumstick) saplings near their homes. “Sahjan is packed with protein and vitamins. Its leaves, pods, and vegetables are highly nutritious. Regular consumption can improve the health of malnourished individuals. Even cattle benefit from sahjan — it increases milk production,” he noted.

He added that the Forest Department has not only encouraged plantation, but also set up nurseries at the household level to support it.

Yogi Adityanath stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been running several campaigns for the well-being of Mother Earth for the past 11 years. These include building toilets in every household, ensuring tap water connections, and providing free LPG connections to 11 crore families under the Ujjwala Yojana.

He pointed out that earlier, people used kerosene, coal, and firewood for cooking, which caused carbon emissions, negatively impacted health, polluted the environment, and jeopardised the future of coming generations.

“But PM Modi gave free gas connections, and we went a step further by distributing free LPG cylinders during Holi and Diwali without any discrimination,” CM Yogi said. “This is a mission to reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution.”

He added that the Greenfield Expressways and massive plantation along their routes, along with other development works being carried out by UPEIDA, reflect the state’s commitment to progress with sustainability.

The Chief Minister urged all citizens to take saplings from the Forest department and plant them. “Do plant one tree in your mother’s name, upload a selfie, and you may also win a prize,” he said. He also informed the public about the Carbon Credit initiative being promoted by the government.

The Chief Minister thanked the Azamgarh administration and acknowledged the support of public representatives and citizens in taking up the revival of the Tamsa river. He highlighted the mythological importance of this river and the nearby ashrams, and said that this campaign is not only about environmental revival, but also about preserving heritage.

He praised the integration of river rejuvenation with plantation efforts as a commendable model. “Azamgarh alone has planted 60 lakh saplings today. This is not just about transforming the present but safeguarding the future,” he added.

CM Yogi affirmed that Uttar Pradesh, which is rapidly progressing on the path of development, will advance in environmental protection and forest cover with equal determination, fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meeting the aspirations of its people.

Labour and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State for Forests K.P. Malik, MLC Vijay Bahadur Pathak, Vikrant Singh, former MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, Neelam Sonkar, Santosh Singh, Sangeeta Azad, former MLA Narendra Singh, former MLC Yashwant Singh, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, and BJP regional president Sahajanand Rai were present at the event.

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CM honours citizens with saplings

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented drumstick (sahjan) saplings to Zero Poverty beneficiaries Amarjeet, Rinku Devi, Sonmati Devi, Budhiram, and Anita Devi, on the occasion. He also gifted saplings and chocolates to students: Deepak Chauhan and Amrita Yadav from class 7, and Shweta Maurya, Shakeena, and Mohini Rajbhar from class 8.