New Delhi (Agency): Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a momentous step toward environmental protection on Friday by urging the Central Armed Police Forces’ (CAPFs) personnel to make environment protection a vital part of their daily lives. This plea comes as the countrywide plantation drive by the forces reached an impressive milestone, with 4 crore saplings planted, and the minister himself planting a ‘peepal’ (Ficus religiosa) tree in Greater Noida.
Mr. Shah expressed his confidence in the security forces, comprised of more than 10 lakh personnel, to achieve the ambitious target of planting 5 crore saplings across India by the end of the year. He said, “As you have made bravery and country’s security your nature, I urge you to similarly make environment protection your way of life.”
The plantation drive, themed ‘environment protection,’ was launched by Shah on July 12, 2020, from a CRPF camp in Gurugram, Haryana. The initiative directed all the forces under the command of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to plant trees with a long lifespan of 60-70 years in their deployment areas.
The forces involved in this significant initiative include the CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Assam Rifles.
Mr. Shah recalled that when the initiative was planned, there were doubts if the targeted figures for plantation could be met. But the CAPFs and other forces under the MHA made the goal possible, undertaking a mission that Shah termed a ‘Maha Kumbh’ for environment protection and conservation.
He also stressed the importance of planting more trees to combat the increase in temperature and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. He warned, “The increase in temperature will not keep life safe on earth and the only solution is to plant more and more trees and lessen carbon dioxide emissions.”
In addition, Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contributions to environmental protection, which helped position India as a “leader” in the fight against harmful gases and human activities affecting the environment. He emphasized India’s role as the host of the G20 Leaders’ Summit next month in Delhi, where the theme is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
Various environmental initiatives steered by PM Modi, such as the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and eight national missions for the environment, were highlighted by Shah as evidence of the government’s commitment to this crucial subject. He noted that these efforts led the UN to honor PM Modi with the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award.
The Union Home Minister further acknowledged the work done by the CAPFs in this field, stating that it would be remembered as their “legacy.” He emphasized that the forces not only protect the citizens but also improve their lives by contributing to this vital cause.
As part of the event, Shah also e-inaugurated 15 newly constructed buildings in eight different campuses of the CRPF, the country’s largest CAPF, including jawan barracks, a hospital, and other essential infrastructure.
With the presence of the heads of all forces under the MHA, the occasion marked a concerted effort to prioritize and actively pursue environmental protection within the security forces. The combined actions of these forces stand as a strong testament to the growing awareness and responsibility toward preserving the environment. The drive to reach the 5-crore mark by year-end encapsulates a broader national commitment to sustainable living and showcases the government’s dedication to leading the way in environmental stewardship.