Lucknow, May 22, 2025: On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the National Seminar-2025 on the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasised that our Vedic sages sought assurance from us for the protection of creation, urging that we contemplate the entirety of living and non-living beings to ensure human existence. “We must protect the entire cycle of biodiversity, encompassing humans, animals, plants and all life forms,” he said. Referring to the Atharvaveda, he noted: “The Earth is our mother and we are all her children.” As her children, he questioned how well we fulfill our responsibilities.
The Chief Minister unveiled booklets on the Green Budget and Biodiversity, and awarded students who won in biodiversity-themed painting, essay writing, and debate competitions. Environmentalists who made significant contributions in the field of carbon credit were also honored. Prior to the main event, he visited an exhibition showcasing various environmental products.
Biodiversity’s Importance Deeply Rooted in Indian Tradition
CM Yogi remarked that no country understands the importance of biodiversity better than India. In Sanatan Dharma, auspicious rituals begin with peace prayers not just for humans but for the entire universe — starting with “Dyauh Shantih” (peace in the heavens), “Antariksham Shantih” (peace in space), “Prithvi Shantih” (peace on Earth), and more. This reflects a desire for the well-being of the entire cosmos.
He highlighted that the global discourse on biodiversity began in 1992, and India under PM Narendra Modi has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. “This goal is not solely the government’s responsibility but a collective duty,” the CM emphasized. Those closer to nature, he added, feel healthier and more connected to life.
Need for Coordinated Environmental Conservation
CM Yogi pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board has spearheaded efforts for biodiversity conservation, and the seminar was part of this ongoing campaign. “Environment is the harmonious blend of nature and humans. Without this harmony, environmental protection is unimaginable,” he stated. He lamented that earlier, post-harvest residue (parali) was managed responsibly, village solid waste was composted, and ponds were sacred and clean. Today, however, pollution and neglect have reversed this balance.
Traditional practices such as offering the first meal to cows and dogs reflected respect for all life. Sacred trees like Peepal and Banyan were never cut down due to their religious significance. The disruption of such practices has led to increasing diseases due to environmental imbalance.
Urgent Need for Reconnecting with Nature
Observing the unusual behavior of animals, the CM said no wild animal turns aggressive without cause. “Earlier, elders advised placing flour and sugar for ants; today we spray insecticides to kill them,” he said. He mentioned Jatayu, the first martyr of the Ramayana, as a symbol of nature’s protectors — and lamented that now we need special centers for the conservation of vultures and other species, which are endangered due to overuse of chemicals, fertilizers, and animal drugs.
“Uncontrolled development models are proving suicidal,” he warned, stressing that not all processes need to be mechanized. Indigenous water treatment techniques should be adopted to maintain natural balance. “This Earth is not just for humans. If we want to survive, we must work toward protecting animals, water sources, and the environment as a whole,” he urged.
Massive Plantation Efforts and Ganga Clean-Up Drive
He praised the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh for planting over 210 crore trees in the last eight years, a significant contribution to increasing forest cover and showcasing gratitude toward nature. The Namami Gange project, a flagship initiative of the Prime Minister, has shown exemplary results. “Kanpur, once considered the most critical point, now has a clean and continuous flow of the Ganga,” he added.
Ministerial Support and Vision Ahead
Minister of State for Forests, Environment, Zoological Gardens, and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Arun Kumar Saxena, lauded the Chief Minister’s efforts in strengthening law and order and driving development in the state. He emphasized the necessity of biodiversity for the existence of all life forms, stating that flora and fauna depend on mutual coordination and continuous conservation efforts.
Also present on the occasion were Minister of State K.P. Malik, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary (Forests & Environment) Anil Kumar, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunil Kumar, along with several other dignitaries.
