Lucknow: On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the National Symposium 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, urging for collective responsibility and community participation in preserving the environment. Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi highlighted that this year’s theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, should serve as a guiding principle for all.
“Environmental protection is not the responsibility of the government alone. It demands a united effort from every section of society,” CM Yogi said, invoking India’s Vedic philosophy and Sanatan traditions which emphasize harmony with nature. He appealed to people to reconnect with cultural values that align human existence with ecological preservation.
India’s Cultural Legacy Rooted in Environmental Respect
Drawing from the Vedic Shanti Path, the Chief Minister said that every auspicious ritual in Sanatan Dharma begins with prayers for the well-being of Earth, water, space, and all living beings. “Our traditions teach us that the existence of humanity depends on protecting nature and biodiversity. The Atharva Veda refers to Earth as our mother and us as her children. As her children, it is our duty to protect her,” he remarked.
Net-Zero Goals Need Mass Support
CM Yogi reiterated India’s commitment to biodiversity, referring to global efforts that began in 1992. He emphasized the critical need for public involvement in achieving the country’s Net-Zero carbon emission target by 2070, a goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Sustainable development will remain a distant dream unless we collectively strive for harmony with nature,” he warned.
Revival of Traditional Eco-Friendly Practices
Highlighting self-reliant village practices, Yogi spoke about the environmental value of traditional infrastructure such as grain yards, grazing lands, ponds, and compost pits. “Solid waste used to be converted into compost, ponds symbolized cleanliness, and pasture land was reserved for cattle. However, in the race toward modernity, these sustainable traditions have been neglected, leading to ecological imbalance and rising diseases,” he said. He termed the conversion of ponds into drainage systems and encroachments on grazing lands as “suicidal” acts.
Over 2.1 Billion Trees Planted in 8 Years
CM Yogi lauded the state’s forest department for planting over 2.1 billion trees in the last eight years, significantly increasing forest cover across Uttar Pradesh. He added that the Namami Gange project has succeeded in revitalizing the Ganga River in even the most challenging regions like Kanpur. “Kanpur, once the most critical challenge for Namami Gange, now boasts a cleaner and vibrant Ganga,” he said.
Cultural Values Key to Biodiversity Preservation
The Chief Minister underlined the significance of cultural traditions in conserving biodiversity, mentioning how Sanatan Dharma associates trees and animals with divine entities. “Our traditions teach us that it is our duty to protect trees like Peepal, Banyan, and Jamun. In earlier times, people would feed ants instead of killing them—this is true harmony with nature,” he explained.
Modern Development Models Questioned
Raising concerns about modern development practices, CM Yogi criticized excessive mechanization, particularly in drainage and waste management. He advocated for adopting indigenous and natural techniques, especially for water purification in rural areas. Referring to the near-extinct Jatayu (vultures), he said these birds played a vital role in natural waste management but are now endangered due to harmful fertilizers and medicines.
Appeal for a Mass Movement to Protect Biodiversity
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of treating biodiversity conservation as a people’s movement. “This Earth is not just for humans. If we are to secure our future, we must collectively work to preserve animals, water sources, and the environment,” he urged. He said the Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board is actively working in this direction, and efforts must be further accelerated.
Symposium Highlights
During the symposium, CM Yogi visited biodiversity-themed exhibits and interacted with stallholders to understand their products and innovations. He launched a Green Budget and a Biodiversity Handbook and felicitated winners of art, essay writing, and debate competitions held as part of the event.
In recognition of excellence in carbon credit initiatives, CM Yogi awarded Rs 10,000 to select individuals and honoured NGO farmers with certificates of appreciation.
Also present at the event were Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge) Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, State Minister KP Malik, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Anil Kumar, and several public representatives and senior officials.
