West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the state government’s dedication to maintaining a harmony between industrial progress and environmental conservation during the ‘Aranya Saptaha’ or Forest Week in West Bengal. The event, which began on Tuesday and will continue until July 20, saw the Chief Minister inaugurating the week at Banabitan, Salt Lake, launching the Banarath initiative, and encouraging tree planting under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister mentioned a regulation that mandates two-thirds of a project area for essential infrastructure and the remaining one-third for green cover, expressing concern that this rule is often not fully followed. He assured that his administration is committed to enforcing this regulation sincerely, ensuring that environmental protection is not compromised in the state’s pursuit of industrial growth through attracting investments.
Stressing the importance of tree planting for environmental preservation, the Chief Minister lamented the decline in green cover, especially in regions like Terai and Dooars. He called for extensive tree plantation drives to counter the loss of forests, indirectly criticizing the previous government. Adhering to his commitment, the Chief Minister announced a target of planting one crore saplings across the state by the year-end and directed the West Bengal Pollution Control Boards to distribute coconut saplings widely, citing their ability to resist thunder and lightning.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed saplings to school children, emphasizing the significance of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
