Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday expressed concern over environmental degradation while launching the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to plant 35 crore saplings in the state, saying people pay attention to their health but rarely to the health of Mother Earth.

“We are concerned with our health, we go to doctors from time to time but we do not make any arrangements for the treatment of Mother Earth on which we all depend. It's because of her that life itself continues, but we never think of her health,” Adityanath said, according to a news agency.

Adityanath also highlighted the state government's renewable energy programmes. He said the BJP government, which came to power in 2017, initiated a plan to replace old halogen lights with LED lights across the state. As a result, the UP government has been able to save ₹100 crore. “This was an energy-efficiency initiative,” Adityanath said, according to the news agency.

He said the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is being implemented with solar panels that have reduced electricity bills by 50 per cent for beneficiaries and brought green energy to homes. According to Adityanath, the scheme has benefited two crore families in Uttar Pradesh.

Adityanath also said Ayodhya is the state's first solar city, with street lights and government offices powered by solar energy.