Early Times Report
LUCKNOW, July 19: In a determined move to combat environmental challenges, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set a target to increase Uttar Pradesh's green cover to 15% by 2030. He emphasized that this goal can only be achieved if tree plantation becomes a people's movement. To realise this vision, the state government aims to transform every village into a 'Green Village'.
The government believes that with the support of various schemes like the Forest and Environment programs, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and MGNREGA, every Gram Panchayat can actively contribute to achieving the state's environmental objectives.
Following Chief Minister's directive, Green Chaupals will be organized in every village to ensure community participation. These chaupals will be chaired by the village head (Gram Pradhan) and held on the third Friday of every month.
The Green Chaupal will be led and conducted by the Gram Pradhan, with the Section/Beat Officer serving as Member Secretary and the Gram Panchayat Officer as Coordinator. Members will include three Gram Panchayat members (at least one woman), one woman from a self-help group, the village primary school headmaster, an Anganwadi assistant, an employment assistant, a progressive farmer, an environmentalist or NGO representative, and a member of the Biodiversity Management Committee. Relevant department representatives will participate as special invitees.
Besides, awareness campaigns will be held to promote environmental schemes of various departments through street plays, rallies, and seminars on environmental protection, climate change, and biodiversity. Village school teachers and students will also be educated on these themes. The District Plantation Committee will monitor the progress of Green Chaupal activities.
|
