Addressing an audience of schoolchildren and teachers, Rodrigues made a forceful plea for a collective and harmonious endeavour for the conservation of flora and fauna, maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring equitable and sustainable development.  

“It is our collective responsibility to shape a healthy ambience and prosperous future for the generations to come, by tackling various issues which cause environmental degradation,” he said. 

He also highlighted the theme of this year’s World Environment Day: “Your planet needs you-Unite to respond to climate change.”

Lauding the efforts of the Forest and Horticulture Department in preserving and promoting the green cover of the city, Rodrigues said the accomplishment of the target of planting one million saplings and ensuring the survival rate of about 85 per cent itself speaks of the Administration’s concern.

“This year, the Green Action Plan further has a target of planting a million trees and shrubs on government and private land which will be strictly implemented. It is, therefore, imperative that every individual and community group participate in the massive tree plantation campaigns and take personal interest in ensuring the successful growth and safety of plants,” he added.

With the construction of dams and other soil conservation measures in the Sukhna Lake catchment area, Rodrigues said, there is an appreciable control on the inflow of silt that has resulted in retaining more water, besides improvement in natural habitat of the wildlife.

He also appreciated the efforts of students and teachers in schools in setting up eco-clubs for conserving the environment.

In his welcome address, UT Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar said Chandigarh has over 35 per cent area under green cover which will be further increased with the implementation of Green Action Plan envisaging the plantation of more than one million trees.