Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored children who showed remarkable bravery during leopard attacks and celebrated forest guardians on the International Day of Forests; the event took place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, where Adityanath recognized both young heroes and those working to protect wildlife and forests.

Young Heroes Recognized for Bravery in the Wild

During the ceremony, Adityanath felicitated two children, Achche Lal and Tanu Singh, for their courage in avoiding attacks by leopards — Both incidents occurred in separate parts of the state and drew attention to the growing human-wildlife conflict in rural areas.

Achche Lal. A 12-year-old boy from Bijnor. Narrowly escaped a leopard attack while collecting firewood, while his quick thinking and calm response helped him avoid injury; Similarly, Tanu Singh, a 14-year-old girl from Gorakhpur, faced a leopard while walking home and managed to scare it away without harm to herself.

Adityanath praised the children for their composure under pressure and said their actions serve as an inspiration to others. ‘Their bravery in the wild is admirable and highlights the need for awareness and safety measures in forested areas,’ he said during the event.

Forest Guardians and Conservationists Acknowledged

Alongside the children, Adityanath also honored forest department personnel and social organizations for their efforts in wildlife conservation. He acknowledged their tireless work in protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance in the region.

Forest officials highlighted the challenges they face, including poaching, habitat degradation, and increasing human-wildlife encounters. ‘We are doing our best to protect wildlife, but the situation requires more public support and awareness,’ said a senior forest officer at the event.

Social organizations working on forest conservation were also recognized. These groups have been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflicts through community engagement and education programs.

Adityanath emphasized the role of both individuals and organizations in safeguarding the environment. ‘It is only through collective efforts that we can ensure the survival of our forests and wildlife,’ he stated.

Carbon Credit Project Benefits Farmers

In addition to honoring the young heroes and forest workers, Adityanath announced the distribution of cheques to farmers under the Carbon Credit Project. This initiative aims to incentivize farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable agriculture.

The Carbon Credit Project is part of a broader environmental strategy to combat climate change and support rural communities. Farmers who participate in the program receive financial rewards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through activities such as afforestation, soil conservation, and organic farming.

According to officials, over 5,000 farmers have already enrolled in the project, with more expected to join in the coming months. ‘This initiative not only helps the environment but also provides economic benefits to the farmers,’ said an agriculture department representative.

Adityanath urged farmers to take advantage of the program, stating that it is a win-win for both the community and the planet. ‘By working together, we can build a greener and more sustainable future,’ he said.

The event concluded with a pledge to continue supporting wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Adityanath reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a balance between human needs and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

With the International Day of Forests serving as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity, the recognition of these young heroes and forest guardians exposes the need for continued efforts in protecting the environment.