Lucknow, May 22 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday emphasised on collective responsibility and participation for environmental protection and said that it is not only the responsibility of the government, but is the result of collective efforts of every section of the society.
While inaugurating the National Seminar-2025 organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, the CM mentioned the Vedic philosophy and Sanatan traditions of India which underscore the deep cultural reverence for the environment.
Citing the Vedic Shanti Path, he said that every auspicious ritual in Sanatan Dharma begins with prayers for the well-being of the earth, water, sky and all living beings. He said that these traditions underscore humanity's deep-rooted connection with nature and biodiversity.
Citing the Atharva Veda, Yogi referred to a verse that reveres the Earth as a mother and humans as her children, bound by duty to protect her.
Reaffirming India's global commitment to biodiversity conservation, an issue that gained international attention in 1992, he Yogi said that achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 requires active participation from every individual, as resolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Government efforts alone are not enough; sustainable development will only be possible when society works harmoniously with nature," he said.
Reflecting on India's self-reliant rural traditions, the CM recalled how villages once had barns, pasture lands, ponds and compost pits, all contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. "Solid waste was turned into compost, ponds ensured hygiene and pasture lands supported livestock," he said.
He said, "However, these time-tested practices have been neglected in pursuing modernity, leading to ecological imbalance and rise of disease. Practices like converting ponds into drainage outlets and encroaching on pasture lands are short-sighted and self-destructive."
Highlighting UP's commitment to environmental protection, Yogi said that the State Biodiversity Board is spearheading new campaigns to realise the vision of 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development'. "Over the past eight years, the Forest Department has significantly expanded the state's green cover by planting over 210 crore trees," he said.
He said that under the Namami Gange initiative, substantial progress has been made in restoring the cleanliness and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga River, especially in Kanpur, once considered one of the most polluted stretches. "Today, the Ganga flows clean and vibrant in that region, reflecting the success of these focused efforts," he said.
The CM also stressed the importance of traditional knowledge and local customs in biodiversity conservation. He referred to Sanatan Dharma, where flora and fauna are deeply integrated with spiritual beliefs, trees like Peepal, Banyan and Jamun are revered and animals are considered sacred. Recalling age-old practices, he mentioned how, in earlier times, even ants were not harmed but gently removed by offering flour and sugar, an example of coexistence and ecological compassion.
Questioning the current model of modern development, he warned that excessive mechanisation, whether in drainage systems or industrial processes, is detrimental to the environment. He advocated a return to natural and indigenous methods, such as traditional water purification systems once prevalent in rural areas.
He raised concerns over the declining populations of ecologically significant species like the Jatayu, which once played a vital role in nature’s purification cycle. "Harmful side effects of chemical fertilisers and pharmaceutical residues have brought such species to extinction," he said.
Yogi urged society to recognise these creatures' importance and express gratitude toward the wisdom embedded in traditional practices.
Calling for a collective awakening, he said that biodiversity conservation must become a public movement. "This creation is not for humans alone. To preserve our very existence, we must unite to protect wildlife, water resources, and the environment. While the State Biodiversity Board is moving in this direction, active public participation must further accelerate these efforts," he said.
During the seminar, the CM visited the biodiversity-themed exhibition and personally interacted with each stall to learn about the displayed products. He also released the Green Budget and a Biodiversity Booklet. Besides, he felicitated students for their talent and environmental awareness, awarding winners of painting, essay and debate competitions.
He provided Rs 10,000 incentives to individuals recognised for outstanding work in carbon credit initiatives and felicitated NGO-affiliated farmers with certificates of appreciation.
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