Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have planted 6.40 crore trees across India over the past eight years. Speaking at BSF’s Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura on World Environment Day, Shah emphasized afforestation, climate action, forest conservation, and sustainable development initiatives nationwide.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have planted an impressive 6.40 crore trees across the country over the last eight years, underscoring the central government’s commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s West Tripura district, Shah said that the large-scale plantation initiative undertaken by the CAPF has significantly contributed to strengthening India’s forest cover and promoting ecological balance.
The Home Minister stated that since 2019, various Central Armed Police Forces have collectively planted more than 6.40 crore trees of different species across the country. He noted that while tree plantation efforts will continue this year, special emphasis will also be placed on replacing saplings that failed to survive in previous plantation drives.
“Since 2019, the CAPF collectively has planted over 6.40 crore trees of various species across the country. This year, around 40 lakh to 60 lakh trees will be planted, and replantation will be undertaken in areas where earlier plantations did not survive,” Shah said while addressing the gathering.
Highlighting the long-term environmental vision of the government, Shah revealed that the CAPF has set an ambitious target of planting two crore trees next year. He said the initiative forms part of a broader nationwide effort aimed at enhancing forest cover and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
The Home Minister expressed concern over the increasing environmental challenges faced by the world, including rising temperatures, climate change, and the degradation of natural ecosystems. He pointed out that rapid urbanisation and extensive tree felling for development activities have contributed significantly to environmental deterioration.
According to Shah, these developments have not only accelerated global warming but have also adversely affected agriculture, human life, and ecological stability. He stressed that protecting forests and expanding green cover remain the most effective ways to address these challenges.
“Increasing forest cover, protecting existing forests, and adopting environment-friendly measures are the only solutions to counter the changing environmental conditions,” he stated.
Marking World Environment Day, Amit Shah, accompanied by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and other dignitaries, planted saplings of various species at the Lankamura Border Outpost. The symbolic plantation drive highlighted the government’s commitment to environmental protection and public participation in conservation efforts.
Shah called upon citizens, government agencies, and institutions to actively participate in large-scale afforestation programmes for the benefit of future generations. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued emphasis on environmental protection, energy conservation, and sustainable development.
The Home Minister noted that India remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement on climate change. He highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promote renewable and eco-friendly electricity generation, and encourage efficient energy consumption.
Emphasising the need for collective responsibility, Shah urged people to care for nature with the same dedication they show towards their families. He warned that unchecked climate change, rising global temperatures, and damage to the ozone layer could pose serious threats to the future of humanity.
“The rising temperature of the Earth, climate change, and large holes in the ozone layer will make the planet uninhabitable if we do not act today and work to repair the damage,” he cautioned.
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Concluding his address, Shah said India’s environmental initiatives and climate policies have earned global recognition and have emerged as a model for sustainable development. He reiterated that preserving forests, expanding green cover, and adopting environmentally responsible practices are essential for securing a healthier and safer future for coming generations.
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