Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, instructed the Forest department to set up a forestry college in Gorakhpur.

The college will offer degree and diploma courses tailored to the needs of the Forest department, providing youth with job opportunities in various forestry roles. This initiative aims to enhance forestry development and forest conservation.

During the inauguration of the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for red-headed vultures, the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur forest division, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended the efforts of the officers and employees who contributed to the development of this groundbreaking project.

He emphasised that true development must prioritise the preservation of nature and the environment to ensure sustainability. He cautioned against development that harms natural ecosystems, noting its short-lived and harmful effects.

Recalling the story of Jatayu, the King of Vultures, from the Ramayana, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted, “The population of vultures, vital protectors of the environment, has drastically declined due to the harmful effects of pesticides. The new conservation centre, a pioneering effort not just for Uttar Pradesh or India but globally, aims to address this issue.”

He also expressed satisfaction that members of the Vantangiya community have been employed as caretakers at the centre, underscoring the collective responsibility to protect nature and its creatures.

Chief Minister Yogi greeted everyone on the auspicious occasion of Hartalika Teej and emphasised that the inauguration of the Jatayu Conservation Centre is a tribute to the nation’s Vedic and mythological heritage.

“Jatayu, the King of Vultures, revered as the first martyr of the Ramayana era, sacrificed himself to uphold righteousness and honour. Upon hearing Sita’s sorrowful cries, Jatayu recognised her as the beloved wife of Shri Ram. As a friend of King Dasharath, Jatayu fought unarmed against Ravana to uphold the values of friendship and the dignity of women, ultimately sacrificing his life in the process,” Yogi pointed out.

To honour Jatayu’s legacy, his grand statue has been installed in front of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The newly established Jatayu Conservation Centre further commemorates his memory and contributions.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the government’s dedication to environmental protection, noting that Uttar Pradesh has become the first state globally to achieve the target of planting 200 crore saplings in seven years. This remarkable accomplishment, in contrast with the previous era of deforestation, is a testament to our commitment to preserving nature for future generations, he added.

The chief minister stressed the importance of this achievement, especially in the face of climate change, which has led to unpredictable weather patterns and extensive damage to agriculture and livestock due to plastic waste.

He stated, “On one hand, we are focusing on increasing tree plantation to protect the environment, and on the other, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, 12 crore women across the country have received free LPG connections. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 1.86 crore women have benefited from this initiative, reducing smoke and safeguarding the environment. The government’s support does not end there. It continues to provide these households with free LPG during Holi and Diwali, ensuring their comfort and safety during these festive times.”

Chief Minister Yogi further emphasised that forests provide oxygen and combat climate change. Efforts include designating 100-year-old trees as heritage, creating wetlands, bird sanctuaries and tiger reserves, and enhancing forest coverage. These initiatives have led to the resurgence of wild animals and the visibility of dolphins in rivers, reflecting the success of these environmental conservation efforts, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi provided an in-depth overview of the progress in Uttar Pradesh and Gorakhpur. He noted that Uttar Pradesh is experiencing rapid advancement across various sectors. The state is seeing significant infrastructure improvements with the construction of highways, expansion of railways, and the development of metro systems, enhancing public transport. Air connectivity is also being strengthened, creating new jobs and employment opportunities.

Yogi emphasised that Gorakhpur is not left behind as a new UP emerges within a new India. The city has seen the establishment of a fertiliser factory and AIIMS, and the services at BRD Medical College have significantly improved. Gorakhpur is also connected with a network of four- and six-lane roads. The city’s attractions, including the zoo and Ramgarh Taal, are drawing tourists from afar, and the improved road lighting is capturing everyone’s attention.

On this occasion, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest, Environment and Zoo Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Zoo KP Malik, Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, MLA Vipin Singh, Dr Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, MLC and BJP state vice-president Dr Dharmendra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) Manoj Kumar Singh, State Commission for Women's Vice-Chairperson Charu Chaudhary, former MLA of Farenda Bajrangi Singh and others . were present.

During his visit, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath toured the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, inspecting its facilities and enquiring about its operations. He examined every section of the centre and observed the Jatayu vulture housed in the enclosure. Divisional Forest Officer and Zoo Director Vikas Yadav provided detailed information about the centre throughout the visit.

The chief minister had laid the foundation stone for the Jatayu Conservation Centre on October 7, 2020. While the legacy of red-headed vulture Jatayu is well-known from the Ramayana period, environmental threats have endangered its descendants. The Yogi government has committed to addressing this crisis by establishing the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Campierganj within the Gorakhpur forest division.

The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre aims to increase the population of red-headed vultures and plays a significant role in promoting eco-tourism. The centre is expected to attract a significant number of tourists by providing a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these endangered species.

According to the action plan of the Gorakhpur forest division, the goal is to release 40 pairs of vultures from the centre over the next eight to ten years.