LUCKNOW, June 6 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday appealed to people to plant as many saplings as possible to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Singh, who reached the state capital on a three-day visit earlier in the day, planted a sapling at the Kasturba Park in Lucknow Cantonment as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, BJP Lucknow district unit president Anand Dwivedi and other public representatives were also present there. Urging people to ensure environmental conservation and green development, the defence minister said trees are not only a means to maintain environmental balance, but are also...