Yogi Adityanath compares Mahakumbh criticism to ignorance towards climate change

We must not wait for another disaster to play our role in stemming climate change, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaking at the inauguration of conference on Climate Change at the Mahakumbh today.

This is the first time ever that a conclave on the dangers that the environment is facing has been held at the gathering. The venue is Sector 25 of the Mahakumbh nagar.

This, as Chandra Bhushan, the president and CEO of the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said, was necessary because science and academics were unable to reach the general public. Thus, the onus fell on faith to bring about changes in our behviour. iFOREST is the organising partner of the one-day event which is being held in association with the state’s department of forests.

Adityanath drew parallels between criticisms of the Mahakumbh with how we overlook our own responsibility as regards to the environment. The CM said that as people did want to walk even 100 metres to go to the Triveni sangam and thus parked their vehicles anywhere and then criticised the mela organisation, similarly we did not reflect on our own behaviour shunning even simple changes such as giving up single-use plastic and planting a tree.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the president of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, said that if we did not pay attention immediately, we would soon narrate stories that began with: “There was a river called Ganga….There was a river called Yamuna…”

The challenge we will face in the future is a very big one. The health of our future is the health of our nature. The future of our nature is the nature of our future. That is why we have worshipped the creator for so long - thus our faith in the Mahakumbh. Let us not forget the creation, Saraswati said.

He called upon saints to come forward and take it upon themselves to lead the change. This is not something new. In 2012, the Global Interfaith WASH alliance, which brings together leaders from all faiths was formed.

Adityanath said it was time we realised that rivers were like veins in the human body. We must think, if these veins carry no blood or become polluted, what would happen to us. The same was applicable to the environment.

He also recounted his government’s efforts to increase the forest cover in the state. Of the 210 crore trees planted in the last eight years, 70-80 percent of those planted by the forest department and 60-70 percent of those planted by others had survived.

Saraswati said that it was time to show the world that India can do it and India has done it.

The conference will include sessions on Sacred Rivers, Water Security and Climate Change; the role of Government in Faith-Based climate action; Promoting Sustaining Lifestyles; religious Organisations in Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Relief among others.