Jharkhand CM joins people in celebration of Karma festival

People of Jharkhand Thursday celebrated Karma festival with Chief Minister Raghubar Das observing it in Ranchi.

In view of the importance of karam tree, 60,000 karam plants are being planted in the state, beginning today, an official release said quoting Das at the Karma puja ceremony.

Song, dance, music and nature worship is the identity of Jharkhand. Many trees like neem, peepal, karam etc., are associated with festivals and rituals, the CM said.

He said that last year karam tree plantations were announced on Karma puja in Jamshedpur. The tree of this rare species will be planted by campaigning throughout the state.

Our ancestors have given us green Jharkhand and cultural heritage. Tribals have made the biggest contribution in protecting the environment. It is our duty to give green Jharkhand to the next generation. We need to be vigilant to save our culture, he said.

Das reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made plans keeping the villages, the poor and the farmers in view.

Ujjwala scheme is launched to protect women from toxic fumes, he said, adding free cooking gas connections are being given to women. Jharkhand government is giving gas stove and first refill free along with LPG gas cylinder, he said.

So far, 23 lakh households have been given gas connections in the state. By December, 34 lakh families will get the benefit, he said.

Electricity will be provided to 68 lakh families of the state by December. By October 2, electricity will reach to every household of Ramgarh district, he said. By October 11 Bokaro district will also be fully electrified.