Chief Minister addresses program marking 2 years of Saryu Mahotsav and establishment of Municipal Corporation, launches plantation drive
On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, World Environment Day, and Saryu Mahotsav, CM Yogi greets all Sanatanis
Hailing PM Modi as the ‘Bhagiratha’ of modern India, CM credits Namami Gange for restoring Ganga’s uninterrupted flow & purity
CM Yogi: “Past governments polluted the Ganga through unplanned and unscientific development
Ayodhya, June 5: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that Ayodhya has transitioned into a global symbol of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ in the recent years from the one where once “Ram devotees faced bullets and lathi-charges.” Speaking at a public event in Ram Katha Park—marking two years of the current Municipal Corporation, Yogi Adityanath added: “Today, they are welcomed with flower showers and served pure RO water.”
During his one-day visit to Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath planted a sapling at Chaudhary Charan Singh Pushp Vatika, symbolizing his commitment to environmental conservation. He also extended his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasions of Ganga Dussehra, Saryu Mahotsav, and World Environment Day.
In his address, CM Yogi emphasized that Ayodhya’s global identity is undergoing a historic transformation. He said the Pran Pratishtha of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked the end of a 500-year-long wait and symbolized the restoration of India’s ancient glory.
He expressed gratitude to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for installing the Dev Vigrahas (divine idols) in seven temples, including the Shri Ram Darbar, within the Shri Ram Lalla Temple premises, and congratulated followers of Sanatan Dharma on this historic milestone.
Praising the celebration of the Saryu Mahotsav on Ganga Dussehra, the Chief Minister said, “The spiritual and cultural identity of Ayodhya is incomplete without the sacred Saryu River, which has blessed generations with its divine presence.”
He noted that the Saryu Mahotsav would play a vital role in deepening Ayodhya’s spiritual roots and cultural richness.
Speaking about the sanctity of Maa Ganga, CM Yogi said, “Ganga descended to earth through the penance of King Bhagirath. She not only nourishes the fertile lands of Uttar Pradesh, but also supports agriculture across India and the world. The Ganga basin is among the most fertile regions on the planet.”
He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ‘Bhagirath of modern India’, crediting him for the success of the Namami Gange campaign. “Before 2014, the Ganga was severely polluted due to the unplanned and unscientific activities of previous governments. But through Namami Gange, the river has regained its purity and uninterrupted flow. Over 66 crore devotees witnessed this during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj,” he noted.
Marking World Environment Day, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized that if every citizen plants a tree in their mother’s name, the environmental crisis can be averted. He shared that earlier in the day, he planted a Bael tree at his residence in Lucknow and later planted Peepal, Pakad, Neem, and Navgraha trees at Pushp Vatika along the banks of the Saryu in Ayodhya.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared details of several upcoming initiatives by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department during his address. He announced that on June 23, the martyrdom day of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the Bharatiya Janata Party will launch a large-scale tree plantation drive.
He also revealed that the state has resolved to rejuvenate at least one river in every district. As part of this mission, an extensive plantation campaign will be conducted along riverbanks from July 1 to 7. In addition, large-scale plantation efforts will be undertaken along highways and expressways. He urged the public to actively participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to contribute to environmental protection.
The Chief Minister congratulated Ayodhya Municipal Corporation Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, along with all councilors and officials, on completing two years in office. He praised the corporation’s performance under the Mayor’s leadership, particularly in urban development and civic management. On this occasion, he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 30 crore and laid the foundation stone for projects valued at Rs 33 crore.
Speaking on Ayodhya’s transformation, CM Yogi noted that the city, once plagued by irregular power supply, water shortages, and cleanliness issues, has now emerged as a clean and beautiful spiritual destination. He commended the Municipal Corporation for honoring three women sanitation workers for their exemplary service, saying such recognition boosts morale across departments.
Highlighting the surge in tourism, he stated, “Where earlier the number of devotees barely crossed a few lakhs, Ayodhya welcomed over 16 crore pilgrims last year alone—a testament to the Municipal Corporation’s improved management and facilities.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted key development works in Ayodhya, including the establishment of an international airport, beautification of temples and monasteries, and the expansion of Ram Ki Paidi—now graced by the clean, free-flowing waters of the Saryu. He remarked that Maharishi Valmiki’s divine vision of Ayodhya is taking shape.
CM Yogi proposed the creation of theme-based gardens in Ayodhya named after revered figures such as Maa Janaki, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Hanuman ji, Sugriva, Jambavan, Mata Shabari, and Nishad Raj. He called on the citizens of Ayodhya to take a collective pledge, in collaboration with the district administration, to revive at least one river in the region.
To commemorate the Municipal Corporation’s two-year milestone, the Chief Minister released a special souvenir and visited departmental stalls set up as part of the event.
The occasion was graced by Cabinet Ministers Surya Pratap Shahi and Arun Kumar Saxena, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, District Panchayat President Roli Singh, MLAs Ved Prakash Gupta, Ramchandra Yadav, Amit Singh Chauhan, Abhay Singh, and Chandrabhanu Paswan, along with BJP District President Sanjeev Singh, Mahanagar President Kamlesh Srivastava, various saints, councilors, and other dignitaries.
