Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurates ‘Gajarath Yatra’, a unique initiative to prevent human-elephant conflict
Sindoor plants planted in Ranjeeta Stadium complex, message of environmental protection given
Raipur, June 21, 2025/On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today inaugurated the ‘Gajarath Yatra’ by showing the green flag at a program organized at the Ranjeeta Stadium complex in Jashpur. This innovative initiative has been started with the aim of reducing human-elephant conflict in Chhattisgarh and spreading public awareness for wildlife conservation. Through this yatra, the message of elephant behavior, safety measures and co-existence will be conveyed to the masses by reaching schools, gram panchayats and haat-bazaars.
The Chief Minister said on this occasion that community participation and awareness are essential to reduce the increasing conflict between humans and elephants. ‘Gajarath Yatra’ will become a meaningful medium in this direction, which will educate people and help in reducing human-wildlife conflict. He also honored those employees of the Forest Department who have done remarkable work in this field.
During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai gave a message of environmental protection by planting a Sindoor plant in the stadium premises. He appealed to the citizens under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to plant more and more trees. He said that trees not only provide life-giving oxygen, but are also essential for water conservation, biodiversity and climate balance.
Chief Minister Shri Sai also released a short film and booklet prepared by the Forest Department, which provides information on precautions related to elephants, understanding their behavior and safety measures. This material will be distributed among school children, villagers and local communities.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that environmental protection is not only the responsibility of the government, but of every citizen. He gave information about various schemes and awareness campaigns being run by the state government, which are helpful in sustainable development and the creation of a green Chhattisgarh.
It is noteworthy that ‘Gajarath Yatra’ is part of the state government’s comprehensive strategy, which is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for wildlife through sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and the participation of local communities. The Chief Minister, at the end of the program, congratulated all the participants and the team of the Forest Department for this effort.
On this occasion, Social Welfare Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, President of Yoga Commission Shri Roop Narayan Sinha, former MP Shri Ranvijay Singh Judev, Padmashree Shri Jageshwar Yadav, MLA Smt. Raymuni Bhagat, District Panchayat President Shri Salik Sai, Matikala Board President Shri Shambhunath Chakraborty, Sanirman Karmakar Mandal President Shri Rampratap Singh, Municipality President Shri Arvind Bhagat, Vice President Shri Yash Pratap Singh Judev, Divisional Commissioner Shri Narendra Dugga, IG Shri Deepak Jha, Collector Shri Rohit Vyas, SSP Shri Shashi Mohan Singh, along with many public representatives, citizens, schoolchildren and representatives of yoga institutions were present.
