Union Minister CR Patil leads plantation drive in Surat, says PM Modi's call inspirational
Surat, June 28
Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on Sunday led a large-scale plantation drive in Surat, Gujarat, saying the initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to citizens to plant more trees.
Speaking to ANI, Patil highlighted that the drive saw wide participation, with students and community workers, and he oversaw the planting of 25,000 trees as part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspired the nation, urging people to plant trees as much as possible. Responding to this call, the Bharatiya Janata Party organised a massive program with students and community workers taking initiative in this plantation drive."
Earlier this week, Patil attended the inauguration event of all 33 newly installed crest gates of the Tungabhadra Reservoir in Hosapete of Vijayanagara district. Chief ministers and ministers from three states participated in the programme organised at the Munirabad Government High School grounds in Koppal district.
On June 16, Assam Minister for Irrigation, Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs, Pijush Hazarika, called on Union Minister CR Patil and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his visit to New Delhi.
During his meeting with Patil at the latter's official residence, the Assam Minister briefed him on Assam's vast irrigation potential driven by the mighty Brahmaputra River and the state's extensive river network.
He informed the Union Minister that Assam possesses an irrigation potential of nearly 27 lakh hectares of agricultural land, while irrigation schemes currently cover around 7 lakh hectares. The discussions focused on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and expanding irrigation coverage in line with the Central Government's vision of "Har Khet Ko Pani".
Union Minister Patil appreciated Assam's immense potential in the irrigation sector and assured all possible support from the Union government for further development of irrigation facilities in the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative by CR Patil ji but honestly, plantation drives are only half the battle. We need to ensure these 25,000 trees actually survive. Many drives in the past have failed because saplings weren't watered or protected. Hope the local authorities have a proper maintenance plan in place beyond just the photo-op.
Bahut accha! I'm a student from Surat and proud that our city is taking the lead. But also appreciate the focus on Assam's irrigation potential in the same article. The Brahmaputra river is such a blessing for the Northeast and it's time we utilize it properly for "Har Khet Ko Pani". 🙏
While I appreciate the plantation drive, I find it interesting how quickly the article shifts to irrigation projects in Karnataka and Assam. Are we connecting trees with water conservation? That would make sense - more trees mean better groundwater recharge. Would have liked more detailed info on how this plantation aligns with water management.
Amazing to see community participation! Students and local workers coming together is exactly how we build a greener India. But we also need to focus on preserving existing forests, not just planting new ones. Still, a step in the right direction under PM Modi's leadership. #PlantATree
From Surat to Assam - this article covers a wide range! The fact that Assam only covers 7 lakh hectares of irrigation potential out of 27 lakh is worrying. Our farmers need that water infrastructure. Boosting irrigation while planting trees - a holistic approach. But let's ensure we're not destroying forests for dams in the name of development.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.