Jharkhand CM calls for public-led green movement to tackle climate change
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 7: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday called for a people-led movement to combat climate change,…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 7: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday called for a people-led movement to combat climate change, saying the conservation of water, forests and land is essential for building a prosperous and environmentally sustainable Jharkhand. He urged every citizen to plant at least one sapling and take responsibility for nurturing it, stressing that environmental conservation must become a collective social responsibility rather than remain a government initiative.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, participated in the 77th State-Level Van Mahotsav-2026 at Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium in Khelgaon, Ranchi, where both planted saplings to promote environmental conservation and a greener future.
Addressing the gathering, Soren described climate change as one of the world’s gravest challenges, saying its impact is evident on human life, agriculture, water resources, biodiversity and the overall development process. He stressed that rapid industrialisation, mining, urbanisation and unplanned development have intensified environmental degradation, making it imperative to strike a balance between development and ecological conservation.
The Chief Minister said meaningful development is possible only when it progresses in harmony with nature and called for the prudent use of natural resources, including water, forests and land.
‘Every Citizen Should Plant a Sapling’
Appealing to people across Jharkhand to participate in tree plantation drives, Soren said planting a sapling alone is not enough and that citizens should ensure its protection and growth into a full-fledged tree.
He announced that the government would monitor the survival of saplings planted under various campaigns and continue recognising individuals, organisations and communities making significant contributions to environmental conservation.
Focus on Native and Wildlife-Friendly Species
The Chief Minister said future plantation drives would prioritise indigenous, fruit-bearing, medicinal, shade-giving and wildlife-friendly tree species that strengthen local ecosystems and biodiversity. Plantation programmes, he added, would take into account local geography, climate and soil conditions to maximise long-term environmental benefits.
He also warned that shrinking forest cover and changing weather patterns are increasing human-wildlife conflicts and threatening biodiversity, making community participation in conservation efforts more crucial than ever.
20 Van Mitras Honoured
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured 20 Van Mitras and representatives of forest management committees from various forest divisions for their outstanding contribution to forest conservation, biodiversity enhancement and community forest management.
He also flagged off three new vehicles for the Forest Department to strengthen conservation efforts across the state. :::writing{}
