Nitish plants two mango saplings on World Environment Day

PATNA: CM Nitish Kumar planted two mango saplings at his residence 7, Circular Road, on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday. He has been planting trees on the day for the last several years. “Plants not only beautify the place but also help in balancing nature. Everyone should develop the practice of planting trees to maintain ecological balance,” the CM said. According to the agriculture road map, he said, Bihar’s green cover has now increased to 12.86% compared to 9.79 % in 2011. It is expected to reach 15% by 2017 as environment and forest department of Bihar is set to plant 24 crore trees across Bihar, he said.Several other institutions and colleges also organized programmes to mark the occasion. Shri Krishna Science Centre organized an on-the-spot painting competition, fancy dress competition and a lecture on ‘Man and the Biosphere’. Bihar State Pollution Control Board along with United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) also held an event on UNEP theme ‘Seven billion dreams – one planet – consume with care’. Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh of Patna high court was the chief guest on the occasion.