Himachal Guv participates in plantation drive in Shimla, appeals to people to protect environment

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 6 (ANI): Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday participated in a plantation drive in the Glen forest area of Shimla city and appealed to the people to preserve and protect the environment.
"I would like to appeal to the people in Himachal Pradesh they should come forward for plantation and plant trees in open lands. The deep forests of Himachal Pradesh are popular across Asia. The forest department works hard to keep the forests green, people should also follow them. The Prime Minister of India has also appealed to everyone to plant a tree in the name of mother. People should be encouraged to do plantation," he said.
"There is a target of 40 crore tree plantations in 2024 and by 2025 it will reach to 80 crores. I think this would be fulfilled only if people plant trees and take care of them like their own children. Our religious literature says that a tree is equal to ten sons. It keeps the environment protected and preserved," the governor added.
Governor Shukla also appealed to the people to help the victims of flood-hit areas in the state.
"In Himachal Pradesh, we have 336 square kilometres of green cover, it is only 30 per cent which is barren and empty and that should be completed with plantation. Today the people from the forest department and school children are part of this campaign. I would like to congratulate you and wish you good luck in making Himachal a green state," he said.
"In the flood-hit region, the government is helping the victims. I would appeal to the people to help the affected people who are in need considering them as their own families. I would speak to the government and would visit the affected areas," Shukla added.
One of the school students, Jyoti said, "We want to make people aware about the plantation that it is very important for the environment. The Governor has also come here and we have come for plantation. The trees should not be cut and plants and trees are important for the environment."
Pawan Kumar Chauhan, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Shimla Urban, said that it is important for everyone to come forward for environmental preservation. He said that it is the need of the hour that the building norms should be restricted and strict.
"The governor has encouraged us. It is important to make people aware of plantations. Students and people from rural areas have also come to be part of this, it is also important to save the forests from fire. We have directed the department to save these plants during the forest fire. We shall have to involve new engineering development models for construction in the region, muck throwing in the forests is also a big challenge for us," Chauhan said. (ANI)