Chief minister Nitish Kumar flags off the Green Bihar Campaign vehicle at the JD(U) office in Patna on Saturday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Sept. 3: Chief minister Nitish Kumar donated a month’s salary for the cause of green Bihar today.

On August 11, Nitish had kicked off the green-campaign movement in the state by planting a tree at his native village at Kalyanbigha. Before flagging off the Green Bihar Campaign vehicle, Nitish asked his party ministers, MLCs and MLAs to donate a month’s salary to buy saplings as the party has decided to plant 50 lakh plants across the state.

“It has come to my notice that many people have a problem in buying saplings, henceI will request all ministers, MLCs and MLAs to provide financial support by donating a month’s salary. To begin with, I have decided to donate a month’s salary, which is Rs 99,500,” Nitish said.

Nitish handed over a cheque to the state party president Basistha Narayan Singh.

Water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary also donated a month’s salary of Rs 98,500 to the party president.

Later, industries and disaster management minister Renu Kumari, rural development minister Nitish Mishra and MLC Sanjay Kumar Singh, too, donated their one month’s salaries in the form of cheques.

Nitish added: “We have started the campaign with an aim to plant to 50 lakh trees, which includes the pre-condition that anybody willing to join the party would have to plant at least one tree. Whatever plant you have, just plant it. Plant it on your own land and if you don’t have land then do it at your house. If there is no place for big trees plant small trees.”

Nitish said: “I am happy the movement is taking shape and picking up pace. I have asked party members to ensure plantation in their respective constituencies. A few days back, I held a meeting with party members and instructed them to renew their memberships by planting trees.”

Mishra said: “Nitishji has set an example in front of the entire nation that how committed he is to the cause of greenery. This is not only about Bihar, it’s a global issue and he is doing the right thing.”

When asked about any disappointment among party leaders and other members, Mishra said: “Why would anybody be disappointed? If anyone donates a portion of his or her income for the cause of his own state then there is no question of any disappointment. In fact, it’s a privilege for us to be a part of the campaign.”

Renu said: “Nitishji has started a pious work for the development of Bihar and it will surely have a tremendous response. As far as any disappointment is concerned from this decision, I don’t think there is any. Earlier, our salaries were low but now it has been increased so I don’t think there would be any problem or disappointment among party leaders.”