Raipur //The Chhattisgarh Government marks ‘World Environment Day’ on June 5 with a special initiative. Fruit trees will be planted in Swani Atmanand Government English Medium Schools (SAGES) as a tribute to Swami Atmanand, a renowned education reformer. These schools, established in the 2021–22 academic year, aim to enhance the education system through modern and systematic methods. The Chhattisgarh Government is dedicated to promoting education and environmental consciousness through this unique endeavour.
Chhattisgarh State’s Forest Department, under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel and Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, and under the supervision of Principal Secretary Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. V. Srinivasa Rao, will commence the planting of fruit trees in Atmanand schools on World Environment Day, June 5, 2023.
In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Forest Department will plant approximately 11,070 saplings of various fruit-bearing trees, including mango, jamun, guava, lemon, jackfruit, bel, amla, gooseberry, almond, and pomegranate, in 337 Atmanand schools across the state. Furthermore, the department plans to extend plantation efforts to forest divisions within the jurisdiction of six forest circles.
A total of 11,070 saplings will be planted across various Atmanand Schools in different forest circles of Chhattisgarh. Durg Forest Circle will plant 2,447 saplings in 63 schools, while Jagdalpur Forest Circle plans to plant 936 saplings in 27 schools. Kanker Forest Circle aims to plant 1,670 saplings in 64 schools, and Surguja Forest Circle will plant 1,835 saplings in 55 schools. Additionally, 57 schools in Raipur Forest Circle will plant 1,922 saplings, and 71 schools in Bilaspur Forest Circle will plant 2,260 saplings.
The Chhattisgarh Government’s Atmanand schools are marking the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day with a remarkable initiative. Fruitful trees will be planted, fostering awareness among the public and students about environmental protection and nature. This endeavour aims to instill a sense of responsibility for sustainable development, forest conservation, biodiversity, wildlife, and natural resources. The initiative will promote a collective duty towards preserving the planet for future generations.
*World Environment Day 2023 focuses on ‘Solutions Against Plastic Pollution’*
According to the official website of World Environment Day, the theme on June 5, 2023, will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. With an alarming 400 million tonnes of plastic used annually worldwide, and only a fraction being recycled, the detrimental impact on the planet is evident. Experts estimate that 19 to 23 million tonnes of polluted plastic find their way into water bodies, leading to numerous health concerns. It is crucial to address this pressing issue for a sustainable future.
World Environment Day, observed on June 5, 2023, is being celebrated worldwide with the joint efforts of Côte-d’Ivoire and the Netherlands. Côte-d’Ivoire has been actively combating plastic pollution since 2014, implementing a ban on plastic usage and exploring alternative solutions. Their ongoing campaign highlights the importance of sustainable practises and reducing plastic waste.
Established in 1973, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) unites over 150 nations in their collective pursuit of positive environmental transformation. With a focus on sustainable development, the program strives to foster global cooperation and encourage member nations to work together to protect the environment. Embracing the ethos of ‘Only One Earth’, UNEP endeavours to create a harmonious and sustainable future for all.
