Agartala, June 5 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising various Central para-military forces, have planted 6.40 crore trees across the country over the past eight years as part of efforts to protect forests and strengthen India’s environment.
Addressing BSF personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India–Bangladesh border in West Tripura district, the Home Minister said that this year a smaller number of trees would be planted as efforts would also focus on replacing saplings that did not survive earlier plantation drives.
“Since 2019, the CAPF collectively has planted over 6.40 crore trees of various species across the country. This year, around 40 lakh to 60 lakh trees will be planted, and replantation will be undertaken in areas where earlier plantations did not survive,” he said.
Shah added that the CAPF plans to plant two crore trees next year as part of a continued nationwide effort to strengthen forest cover and protect the environment.
He noted that rapid urbanisation and large-scale tree felling for development activities have led to rising temperatures and climate change, adversely impacting agriculture and human life, and disturbing the ozone layer.
“Increasing forest cover, protecting existing forests, and adopting environment-friendly measures are the only solutions to counter the changing environmental conditions,” the Home Minister said.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Shah, along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and other dignitaries, planted saplings of various species at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the Bangladesh border.
He urged all stakeholders to undertake large-scale afforestation for the benefit of future generations, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised energy conservation, environmental protection, and afforestation.
Shah said India is actively following the Paris Agreement on climate change and highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
He observed that people must care for the environment as they do for their children and loved ones, stressing that safeguarding forests and natural resources is essential to the welfare of all.
“The rising temperature of the Earth, climate change, and large holes in the ozone layer will make the planet uninhabitable if we do not act today and work to repair the damage,” the Home Minister warned.
He further said that the Prime Minister has initiated several coordinated measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promote eco-friendly electricity production, and minimise energy consumption.
“In a way, India’s model was recognised at the Paris Conference as an ideal framework for climate action,” Shah added.
–IANS
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