RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that climate change is the most urgent challenge facing the world today, calling for collective action to address the environmental crisis.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the first edition of the Chhattisgarh Green Summit, held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on Thursday. During the event, the Chief Minister also released a synopsis of environmental research aimed at understanding and combating climate change.

Sai pointed to the severe effects of global warming, highlighting record-breaking summer temperatures across India, including a historic high of 52.3°C in the capital, Delhi. He stressed that climate change is not limited to India but is a global phenomenon, citing unusual floods in Dubai—a desert city—as an alarming sign. 

Chhattisgarh's Commitment to Conservation

The Chief Minister outlined Chhattisgarh's commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity, noting that 44% of the state’s land is forested. He announced the state’s achievement in planting 4 crore trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a project aligned with Prime Minister Modi's vision for environmental sustainability. Additionally, he discussed the recent initiative to establish the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, which will be the third-largest tiger reserve in India, furthering efforts to conserve wildlife and protect natural habitats.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices

He confirmed Chhattisgarh's active participation in this national goal, underscoring the state's efforts in renewable energy and environmental conservation. Key initiatives, including the Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana and the Green Credit Yojana, are encouraging tree plantation across the state. The Peepal for People campaign in Nava Raipur, under which thousands of Peepal trees have been planted, is another step towards promoting green spaces.

A Call for Environmental Awareness

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap stressed the need to reconnect with nature in an age of modernization, calling for robust conservation efforts. He affirmed the state government's commitment to environmental protection through various initiatives.

Speaking at the summit, J Nandkumar, All India Convenor of Pragya Pravah, highlighted the deep connection between Indian culture and nature, particularly the traditions of forest dwellers. He proposed that the motto of future Green Summits should be co-existence, focusing on living harmoniously with nature.

National Coordinator of Environment Conservation Activity, Gopal Arya, praised the summit's role in raising awareness about Chhattisgarh's rich biodiversity, and Forest Force Chief V Srinivas Rao delivered the welcome address. Amity University Vice Chancellor Piyush Kant Pandey, Botanical Survey of India Director Dr. Asiso Mao, and other dignitaries including Padma Jageshwar Yadav and Amity Water Woman of India Kshipra Pathak, were also present at the event.