GORAKHPUR, July 12 -- Emphasising the crucial role of forests in maintaining ecological balance, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday warned that indiscriminate tree felling could lead to severe water scarcity and eventually trigger a foodgrain crisis. He said rivers remain perennial only where forests and dense tree cover exist, adding that Uttar Pradesh's plantation campaign reflects the state's commitment to sustainable development.

Addressing a gathering after launching the state's Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2026 by planting a Maulsari sapling along the Ramgarh Tal Ring Road, the chief minister said every tree absorbs and stores thousands of litres of water, helping recharge groundwater and sustain rivers.

"Rivers remain perennial ...