On World Environment Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for heightened vigilance against those who harm the environment, including land and mining mafias. Speaking at a symposium organized by the forest department, he highlighted the state's ambitious plantation drive, which saw the planting of over 50 million saplings, contributing to a total of 2.42 billion saplings planted over the last nine years as part of the Van Mahotsav initiative. Adityanath announced plans to plant an additional 350 million saplings in July, pushing the annual total to over 400 million. He expressed concern over the degradation of the environment, noting that individuals over 40 years old have witnessed significant shifts in weather patterns that impact agriculture and food security. Adityanath emphasized the interconnectedness of life and the environment, urging a return to India's traditional values regarding nature. He concluded by administering five environmental pledges to the audience, promoting tree protection, water conservation, and sustainable living.