Chhattisgarh is Providing Oxygen to the Entire Nation Like an Oxyzone – CM Vishnu Deo Sai

CM Sai Participates in Seminar at Assembly on World Forestry Day

Raipur : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended a seminar organized at the Assembly on the occasion of World Forestry Day, delivering a strong message on forest conservation and enhancement. Addressing the gathering, he stated that Chhattisgarh has become the “Oxyzone” of the country, supplying oxygen to all of India. He highlighted that 44% of the state’s land area is covered by forests, which are not only crucial for the environment but also form an integral part of Chhattisgarh’s cultural and economic heritage.

Forests: A Source of Oxygen, Nutrition, Employment, and Culture

CM Sai noted that the theme for World Forestry Day 2025 is “Forests and Food”, emphasizing that forests are not just a source of oxygen but also provide nutrition, employment, and cultural significance. During the event, he launched the book “Wild Edible Plants in Chhattisgarh State” and unveiled a mint-flavored Bastar cashew product.

He also acknowledged the deep connection of Chhattisgarh’s 32% tribal population with forests, stating that the government is granting Forest Rights Pattas (land titles) to tribal families to promote self-sufficiency and agricultural development. Additionally, he highlighted the economic empowerment of tribal families through value addition of forest products such as Bastar tamarind, Jashpur mahua, chironji, and harra-behera.

Chhattisgarh’s Natural Beauty and Tourism Growth

Praising Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, CM Sai noted that these elements are making the state a major attraction. He specifically mentioned that Bastar’s Dhoomarash has secured a place on the world tourism map, emphasizing that tourism expansion remains a government priority.

He also highlighted the success of PM Narendra Modi’s “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign, under which nearly 40 million trees have been planted in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, the Peepal for People initiative in Nava Raipur, which involved planting peepal trees at every intersection, is set to become a major source of pure oxygen. CM Sai noted that scientifically, peepal trees produce the highest oxygen levels, making this a significant step toward urban greenery.

Key Statements from Dignitaries

• Speaker Dr. Raman Singh praised Chhattisgarh’s forests, calling them among the most beautiful in the world. He emphasized the importance of forests in sustaining life, highlighting the state’s increasing forest cover.
• Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap stressed that tribal communities’ lives revolve around forests, and uplifting them is a government priority. He also addressed global concerns like climate change, stating that expanding forest cover is the most effective solution.
• Kashyap also noted that tribal communities possess traditional knowledge of nature, which can help achieve a balance between conservation and development.

Seminar Attendees

The event was attended by Deputy CM Arun Sao, MLAs Dharamlal Kaushik, Dharamjit Singh, and Yogeshwar Raju Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force V. Srinivas Rao, and other senior officials from the Forest Department.

Chhattisgarh continues to lead the way in environmental conservation, tribal empowerment, and sustainable development, strengthening its position as the Oxyzone of India.