PRAYAGRAJ, Feb 16: On Sunday, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, urged citizens to take proactive steps toward cultivating a greener planet rather than waiting for a disaster to strike, reflecting the core message of Kumbh.
While inaugurating the Climate Conference on Faith and Climate Change at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, the CM remarked, “The survival of humanity is intricately linked to the well-being of all living beings. If they flourish, we will too; if they are endangered, our existence hangs in the balance. We cannot sit idle until a catastrophe occurs; we must pursue a greener Earth actively. This is a significant message from Kumbh.”
He emphasized the need to merge faith with environmental awareness and to take practical actions to combat climate change. Furthermore, he highlighted the critical importance of protecting nature and wildlife to sustain human civilization.
During the event, Yogi expressed sorrow over the recent tragedy in Delhi, honoring the memories of the departed.
In discussing daily climate responsibilities, he noted observances during Maha Kumbh, where aerial surveys indicated vacant parking areas while visitors parked on roads, leading to traffic congestion.
The CM appealed to attendees to use designated parking spaces, even if it meant walking a bit farther, to facilitate smoother traffic flow and enhance the experience at the holy site. He called for a shared responsibility in addressing climate change, urging attendees to incorporate sustainable practices into their everyday lives, aligned with the essence of the Maha Kumbh.
He reported that between January 13 and February 16, a staggering 52 crore devotees took a holy dip at the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, attributing this to the continuous flow of water in these rivers as a divine blessing.
Yogi stated, “Each devotee who bathes here feels a surge of spiritual energy and shares this sacred bond in their communities, leading to greater participation and elevating the event to unparalleled success.”
Addressing environmental issues, he underscored that climate change is a principal factor behind carbon emissions and pollution. He compared rivers to the arteries of our planet, warning that just as a body cannot endure without healthy arteries, a polluted or dwindling river system jeopardizes Earth’s vital lifeline.
The CM affirmed, “The government has implemented proactive strategies against ecological challenges and has outlawed single-use plastic to safeguard the environment. Additionally, over the past eight years, 210 crore saplings have been planted across UP, achieving a survival rate of 70-80 percent for those planted by the Forest Department and 60-70 percent for others.”
He mentioned that “The government also advocates for electric buses over diesel vehicles through dedicated policies and expansion initiatives. Efforts are underway to rejuvenate dying rivers and restore their natural water flow.”
He also pointed out the transformation of the Sangam area, enabling crores of devotees to take a holy dip daily, a privilege previously limited to Mauni Amavasya.
Yogi remarked, “The channelization of rivers and the expansion of the Sangam area have ensured a consistent water flow of 10,000 to 11,000 cusecs, making this grand spiritual event more accessible and sustainable than ever.”
He reiterated that while governmental efforts are ongoing, public involvement is equally important in environmental preservation. He urged individuals to contemplate their contributions towards eliminating plastic usage, halting river encroachments, preventing pollution, and fostering compassion for wildlife.
The CM asserted that just as humans have a life cycle, so does Mother Earth. “Their coexistence is intertwined; only by nurturing both can the universe flourish,” he stated.
Promoting collective action, he proposed an impactful yet simple gesture—planting a tree in honor of one’s mother and another as a tribute of faith.
On this occasion, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, head of Paramarth Ashram Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni, Jagadguru Swami Mukundanand, Forest and Environment Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, and Minister of State KP Malik, along with MLAs and officials, were in attendance. (AGENCIES)
