“Chhattisgarh is Providing Oxygen to the Entire Country Like an Oxygen Zone” – CM Sai
Raipur, March 21
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today participated in the World Forestry Day seminar held in the committee hall of the Legislative Assembly and conveyed a message about forest conservation and promotion to the people of the state.
Addressing the seminar, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh, being the “Oxygen Zone” of the country, is providing oxygen to the entire India. He mentioned that 44% of the state’s land area is covered by forests, which are not only important from an environmental perspective but are also an integral part of our cultural and economic heritage.
Shri Sai highlighted that the theme of World Forestry Day 2025 is “Forests and Foods,” which emphasizes that forests are not just a source of oxygen but also provide nutrition, employment, and cultural benefits. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the book “Wild Edible Plants in Chhattisgarh State” and introduced the Bastar cashew product with a mint-flavor.
Shri Sai emphasized that 32% of Chhattisgarh’s population consists of tribal brothers and sisters who are deeply connected with the forests. He stated that the government is providing forest rights certificates to the tribal communities living in forests, so they can become self-reliant and move forward in farming. He mentioned that small forest products such as tamarind from Bastar, mahua from Jashpur, chironji, and harra-bahera are unique to Chhattisgarh, and by adding value to these products, the government is empowering tribal families economically.
The Chief Minister also praised the natural beauty of Chhattisgarh, noting that its waterfalls, forest-dwelling culture, and rich biodiversity are becoming a center of attraction for the entire country. Bastar’s Dhoomras has now found a place on the world tourism map. Expanding tourism remains a priority. He also mentioned that under the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, almost four crore trees have been planted in Chhattisgarh.
He further explained that in Nawa Raipur, under the “Peepal for People” program, Peepal trees have been planted at every intersection, which will serve as a powerful source of pure oxygen in the future. Scientifically, the Peepal tree is the most oxygen-producing tree, and this initiative is a significant step toward urban greenery.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, addressing the seminar, stated that Chhattisgarh’s forests are counted among the most beautiful in the world. The Sal and Teak trees are the natural beauty of the state. The Sal forests have a unique charm, and it is a matter of pride that the forest area in Chhattisgarh is continuously increasing. He said, “As long as there are forests, there is life.”
Minister of Forests and Climate Change, Shri Kedar Kashyap, mentioned that the lives of Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities are entirely based on forests. Elevating their standard of living is a priority for the government. He stated that the entire world is facing challenges such as global warming and climate change, and the most effective solution is the expansion of forest areas. He further added that our tribal brothers and sisters possess experiential knowledge of nature, and by appropriately utilizing it, we can balance both development and conservation.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, MLAs Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Dharmjeet Singh, Shri Yogeshwar Raju Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivas Rao, and senior officials from the Forest Department were also present.