Actor-parliamentarian Shatrughan Sinha speaks on the green campaign at hotel Maurya in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, Aug. 21: Shatrughan Sinha stressed responsibility of people to save the environment, endorsing chief minister Nitish Kumar’s green campaign for the state.

The actor-parliamentarian was in the state capital today for a plantation programme of Lions Club International at hotel Maurya.

Supporting Nitish’s campaign for a clean and green Bihar, Sinha told The Telegraph: “He (the chief minister) has started a great work and it’s a new beginning for greenery in the state. It was very important to start such a campaign in the state as planting a sapling and ensuring its safety is a serious matter. Often, people plant saplings but forget to water them. One must take up the responsibility on a priority basis.”

Sinha added: “I was the first person who said Bihar should be clean and green. Although it took some time, I am happy that the chief minister has become serious about it. It is our duty to save the environment, which is the most precious jewel in this world. If today we are not sincere in saving our nature, tomorrow our lives would be miserable.”

Sinha also stressed the need to rethink the mindless felling of trees and the damage done to environment. He said: “Trees are being cut down at various places in Bihar and other states. It is true that we need wood for many purposes but we should also plant more trees to compensate the damage we do to nature. We need to think about this. I support the green campaign and I am happy that it is beginning from my own state.”

On his contribution to Nitish’s campaign, Sinha said: “I have been motivating my friends, not only in Bihar but also in Mumbai and Delhi, to plant at least one sapling. I tell people that if there is no space to plant a tree, then plant a sapling in a flowerpot in the balcony or outside the house and let it grow. Several organisations are also coming up to support the environmental cause, and I would request people in this state to come forward to save our Earth.

“To bring any kind of change to society, we have to set examples. Only then would the masses follow. If I just talk on the issue and not do anything about it, nobody will take my opinion seriously. I have to start, then only would others follow. In fact, few days back, too, I was supposed to visit Patna for a plantation programme but I could not come because I had to attend the funeral of Shammi Kapoorji in Mumbai.”