Kohli, Sushil pledge support to save environment

India's Test captain Virat Kohli called on the youth of the country to come forward and pledge their support to save the environment by planting trees in and around their surroundings.

Kohli along with star wrestler Sushil Kumar and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar among others today planted saplings at the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan here on the occasion of World Environment Day.

"It's a pleasure for me to plant a tree on such a special occasion. I thank the Minister for inviting us (me and Sushil) and making us a part of this initiative," Kohli said.

"I want to take this opportunity to urge the youngsters to take this initiative forward because we youngsters are responsible to take the nation forward," he added.

Twin Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil, too, agreed with Kohli.

"It is a big responsibility bestowed on us and we need to take this initiative forward. The immediate requirement is to save the environment, plant tress and make the environment better," the grappler said.

"On this special occasion we all should pledge to plant at least one tree today."

Environment Minister Javadekar said the citizens of the country should take a cue from the cricketers and athletes, who have contributed their bit to save the environment.

"Virat and Sushil came and planted a tree today and gave a message to everyone. Today, Sachin (Tendulkar) and Ajinkya Rahane will be planting trees in Mumbai as also Yusuf and Irfan Pathan in Baroda. Tomorrow the Bangladesh-bound Indian cricket team will also be participating in the initiative in Kolkata," the Minister said.

"The players have taken the initiative and we need to follow them."

On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a botanical garden named, 'Botanical Garden of Indian Republic' in Noida.