To realise his green mission, CM Adhikari said the executives of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have promised to plant 10 lakh trees this year. He, however, pointed out that merely planting trees is not enough; proper maintenance is crucial.

“I was the chairman of the Haldia Development Authority. We used to monitor the planted trees for three years, which yielded a 50 per cent survival rate. If we planted a thousand trees, we could save about 500 to 550 over three years. Therefore, simply planting trees won’t do; everyone must take responsibility for their maintenance for at least 2 to 3 years,” he said.

‘Plant more coconut trees’

In the wake of the recent rise in lightning-related deaths in the state, the Chief Minister has advocated planting more coconut trees and has already issued directives to the State Pollution Control Board to this effect. According to Adhikari, the initiative is aimed at reducing the impact of lightning strikes and enhancing protection in vulnerable areas.

The state government on June 5 set a target of planting 7.2 crore saplings this year, with a target of planting 7 lakh saplings for the launch day itself. However, actual figures revealed that 9 lakh saplings were planted on day one.

CM targets Mamata

Highlighting the state’s dismal forest cover, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari targeted the previous Mamata Banerjee government over its negligence towards the destruction of forest cover. “You have destroyed everything; you didn’t even spare the trees,” he said while calling for a massive afforestation drive to protect West Bengal’s environment.

He said, “When we fly in planes, or board helicopters for government work or during elections, we shudder at the sight of what lies below. I am a man who has risen from the grassroots. It hurts to look down from the sky at the forest-laden landscapes of Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia. What dense forests they were ten years ago, and look at their condition today! When heading towards Hasimara, seeing the state of Terai-Dooars, Chalsa, and Jaldapara truly pains us…We must rebuild forest wealth and save forest-dependent wildlife and eco-friendly elements.”

The Chief Minister also accused various commercial enterprises of failing to keep their promises during the previous government’s tenure. Adhikari pointed out that companies were supposed to use two-thirds of their land for infrastructure work and dedicate the remaining one-third to planting trees. He noted that such commitments are routinely made while getting building plans sanctioned by municipalities, municipal corporations, Zilla Parishads, or Panchayats, but are rarely kept. Expressing regret over the state’s overall situation, CM Adhikari said, “It has turned into a concrete jungle.”

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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