Agartala : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasised the importance of preserving ecological balance and issued a stern warning of strict action against those found causing deforestation.

“It is difficult to maintain ecological balance. Just as there is no religion in blood, there is also no religion in the case of trees. We have a lot to learn from nature. Forest robbers or forest destroyers will not be given any concession under any circumstances. Strict legal action will be taken against them,” said Dr Saha.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped (Tree), Maa Ke Naam” campaign on World Environment Day, Chief Minister Manik Saha said this by participating in the state-level mass plantation drive ” 5 lakh seedlings in 5 minutes” organised by the Forest Department on Friday.

As part of this programme, the Chief Minister distributed saplings among the local people after attending the state-wide main function organised at Taranagar of Mohanpur. Dr. Saha highlighted the lessons to be learned from nature, emphasising the importance of protecting ecological balance.

 “It is very important to protect the ecological balance. If the balance is lost, it becomes difficult. Balance is as important in life as balance when riding a bicycle. A few days ago, one of our leaders came to the state from Delhi.

He said that you will live 10 years longer than us because the pollution in Delhi seems unsustainable for so long. Compared to that, pure oxygen is available here. They are overwhelmed to see so many trees around in Tripura,” said Dr Saha.

The Chief Minister also called upon the present Forest Minister to be more vigilant against forest robbers. He issued a stern warning not to spare the forest destroyers under any circumstances.

CM Saha was accompanied by the area’s MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ratan Lal Nath, Minister of Forest Department Animesh Debbarma and other senior officials of the administration.