Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the National Forestry Dialogue on the occasion of International Forest Day at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, under the theme ‘Forests and Economies.’ The event, titled Aranya Samagam, emphasised the critical role of forest conservation not only in environmental protection but also in economic development and human well-being.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of forests in the era of climate change and environmental crises, stating, “Nature is not merely a resource, it is our mother. Protecting it is every citizen’s duty. Forests must survive for our future to survive.”
Heritage Trees and Community Participation
CM Yogi highlighted the state’s initiative to preserve trees over a century old as Heritage Trees and engage citizens in awareness campaigns for their protection. He encouraged every individual to plant at least one tree in the name of Mother Earth, reinforcing gratitude towards nature and promoting environmental responsibility.
He also underscored the role of public participation in forest conservation as the most powerful tool, adding that human survival is impossible without protecting natural ecosystems.
Forests and Economic Growth
The dialogue emphasised the interconnectedness of forests, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The CM stated that the theme ‘Forests and Economies’ highlights how conservation supports human welfare, green industry, and local livelihoods.
Since 2017, UP has planted 242 crore trees, increasing forest cover by nearly 10%, showcasing the power of a citizen-led movement. The number of Ramsar sites in the state has increased from one to eleven, with plans to reach one hundred, supporting biodiversity, water conservation, and eco-tourism.
Human-Wildlife Conflict and Green Economy
Yogi Adityanath announced that Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to classify human-wildlife conflict as a disaster, ensuring better management of forest areas and wildlife safety.
The CM also highlighted the establishment of 2,467 forest-based green economy enterprises, eco-tourism expansion in Dudhwa National Park, and the Carbon Credit program benefiting farmers.
On the aquatic conservation front, he shared that the Ganges dolphin population has risen to 6,327 nationwide, with 2,397 dolphins residing in UP, reflecting successful environmental protection initiatives.
Renewable Energy and Forest Awareness
The Chief Minister mentioned that under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, over 4 lakh rooftop solar panels have been installed, generating more than 1,400 MW of electricity. The state has set a target of 22,000 MW renewable energy capacity, aligning environmental protection with sustainable development.
The event also featured the release of a coffee table book on Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and Sohilwa Forest Division, and honoured children, forest officials, and NGOs demonstrating exceptional courage and contribution to forest conservation. The CM instructed that the publication be circulated widely to universities, airports, and railway stations to raise awareness among the public.
Participation and Officials
The National Forestry Dialogue was attended by Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, State Minister KP Malik, Principal Chief Conservators of Forests Sunil Chaudhary and Anuradha Vemuri, along with senior forest department officials and nature enthusiasts from across India.
CM Yogi concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ecological balance, stating that protecting forests is essential not only for human civilization but for all living beings.
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