Vriksh Suraksha Diwas and green cover conservation strategy in Bihar
Source:uniindia ↗
Why It Matters
Bihar-specific environmental campaigns, green policies (like the Green Budget), and carbon reduction targets are frequently asked in the BPSC Prelims examination.
Summary
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bihar celebrated 'Vriksh Suraksha Diwas' (Tree Protection Day), where leadership and citizens tied symbolic rakhis to trees to pledge their protection. Initiated in 2012 by CM Nitish Kumar, the campaign aims to promote afforestation and ecological preservation. It works in synergy with Bihar's flagship 'Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali' mission and supports the state's broader climate resilience targets, including its pioneering Green Budget initiatives and carbon reduction goals by 2030.
Key Points
- Bihar celebrates Raksha Bandhan as 'Vriksh Suraksha Diwas' (Tree Protection Day) to raise public awareness about forest and tree conservation.
- The tradition of tying a Rakhi to trees as a symbol of protection and environmental duty was initiated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2012.
- This initiative is integrated with the state's flagship 'Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission' which focuses on water conservation and expanding the state's green cover.
- Bihar has set ambitious ecological goals, including raising its total green cover to 17% and introducing the country's pioneer Green Budget in FY 2021-22.
- The event highlights community-led afforestation, emphasizing a cultural bond with nature to achieve Bihar's climate action goals, including making the state pollution-free/reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
Important Terms
Vriksh Suraksha Diwas
Celebrated on Raksha Bandhan since 2012 in Bihar, this day involves symbolic tying of rakhis to trees to raise public awareness about tree conservation, environmental protection, and afforestation.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Bihar Geography/Environment) and Paper I (Current Affairs); tests state-level ecological campaigns and community conservation initiatives.
Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission
A flagship multi-stakeholder initiative launched by Bihar in 2019 focusing on water conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, and massive afforestation to enhance the state's green cover and combat climate change.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Government Schemes and Economy of Bihar); tests understanding of sustainable development, climate action, and rural resource management.
Green Budget
An innovative fiscal statement first introduced by Bihar in FY 2020-21 that identifies, segregates, and targets budgetary allocations specifically for environmental conservation, climate mitigation, and ecological restoration.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Bihar Economy/Public Finance); tests knowledge of progressive environmental planning, climate budgeting, and sustainable public expenditure.
Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar
The nodal administrative agency of Bihar responsible for executing environmental policies, forestry programs, biodiversity conservation, and coordinating state-level actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Administrative Structure and Bihar Environment); tests state administrative mechanisms implementing ecological policies and campaigns.
Prelims Trap
The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal agency for the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission.
Although the mission deals with forestry and water conservation, the Rural Development Department is the designated nodal executing agency coordinating across 15 state departments.
Static Concepts Connected
What is Bihar's Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission?
- Launch & Nodal: Introduced in 2019, with the Rural Development Department serving as the nodal executing agency.
- Core Objective: Focuses on climate change mitigation, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and expanding Bihar's green cover.
- Key Interventions: Restoring public water bodies, constructing check dams, promoting organic farming, and massive afforestation drives.
What are Bihar's forest targets under the Fourth Agri Road Map?
- Green Cover Goal: Aims to scale up Bihar's total green cover to 17% by the year 2028.
- Agro-forestry Focus: Promotes integrated farming systems, encouraging farmers to plant timber and fruit trees alongside regular crops.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Eco-Cultural Conservation & Historical Movements
Tying Rakhis to trees echoes historical community-led eco-movements like Chipko, highlighting Bihar's use of cultural symbolism to drive grassroots environmental policy.
Sub-National Fiscal Federalism & Green Budgets
Bihar's pioneering 2020-21 Green Budget links local public spending directly to SDGs, demonstrating how states localize global climate commitments.
Expect a multi-statement Prelims question comparing Bihar's 17% green cover target with its 2040 low-carbon development goals.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2023BPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Bihar Government has planned to make Bihar State ‘pollution-free’ by reducing carbon emissions by which year?
- 2024-EBPSC_PRELIMSGS1
When did Bihar State introduce the Green Budget for the first time?
