‘Mahakumbh of environmental protection’: Amit Shah as MHA sapling drive clocks 4 crore

“The tree plantation campaign is like Mahakumbh. Kumbh is a huge event held every 12 years for the unity and integrity of our country to keep our culture and heritage young forever and to encourage the youth to take our culture forward,” said Shah at the event.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets children after planting a sapling under the ‘All India Tree Plantation’ campaign of the Ministry of Home Affairs, in Greater Noida on Friday. (ANI)

He further said, “Similarly, the campaign of planting 5 crore trees is a great event for environmental protection. On the one hand, all CAPF jawans have established many records through their bravery, sacrifice and hard work while ensuring the country’s internal and border security. Now, the CAPF has done the work of growing 4 crore trees for protection of the environment. By December, I am sure that we will reach the target of 5 crore. This will be considered the biggest effort in environmental protection by any defence-related agency in the history of the world.”

He added that with increasing pollution, the ozone layer is being damaged and, as a result, in the future, solar rays will directly impact the Earth. “The only way to prevent such a scenario is by planting as many trees as possible and reducing the emission of carbon dioxide. Two factors were considered when planting trees. First, the trees being planted should have a long lifespan. Second, they should be able to provide maximum oxygen, such as peepal, banyan, neem, jamun, and others. These trees emit oxygen ranging from 60-100% and will contribute towards conservation of earth for years,” said Shah.

He also said that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — One Earth, One Family, One Future — has been adopted as the mission statement of G-20 and India, along with France, has initiated the International Solar Alliance, a project that aims to create ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’.

Shah also inaugurated 15 newly constructed buildings, built at a cost of Rs 165 crore, across 8 different campuses of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

These include 220 family accommodations for the 102 Rapid Task Force built at a cost of Rs 57 crore; a 50-bed hospital in Group Centre, Raipur, at a cost of Rs 17 crore; an administrative building; a quarter guard; and a parade ground at Recruit Training Centre Jodhpur, among others.