Yogi Adityanath urges people to protect nature, links environmental conservation to Sanatan traditions

lucknow ( Raghwendra Pratap Singh) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday asked people to actively participate in environmental conservation, saying protection of nature is deeply rooted in ‘Sanatan’ culture and should be treated as a collective responsibility rather than an annual ritual. In an open letter titled “Yogi Ki Pati” posted on X ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5, he said worship of trees, mountains, rivers and living beings has been an integral part of Sanatan (eternal) traditions and that the Vedas regard reverence for nature as worship of God.

World Environment Day should not remain an annual formality but become an expression of our shared gratitude towards nature,” he said. The chief minister said the concept of the three debts mentioned in Sanatan tradition — ‘Dev Rin, Rishi Rin and Pitri Rin’ — underscores humanity’s obligation towards nature.

Conservation of water, forests, land and the entire creation is the path to repaying this debt,” he said, adding trees are not merely natural resources but living symbols of divinity, life, knowledge, health and public welfare. Referring to the recently observed Vat Savitri fast, Adityanath said millions of women had participated in the ritual, reflecting the deep connection between Indian culture and nature.

He also cited the success of the state’s “One District One River” programme, saying it demonstrated that nature could be preserved through coordinated efforts by society and the government.