Patna: On World Environment Day, Sunil Kumar, minister for environment, forest and climate change, launched the song ‘Harit Bihar banayenge-naya Bihar banayenge’ at the Patna zoo on Thursday. He also provided assistance of Rs 25,000 to Rajesh Kumar, known as ‘Oxygen Man’, for his contribution towards environmental conservation.During the event, the minister highlighted the state’s progress in increasing its forest cover from 7.62% in 2004 to 15.05% at present, with a target to reach 17% by 2028. He said efforts made by the govt for the promotion of eco-tourism in the state, such as the development of sites like Rajgir, Valmiki Nagar, and Bodh Gaya, are yielding results.“Bihar is not only a land of historical heritage but also environmentally rich. Animal parks like Patna zoo serve as major centres of awareness,” he said, adding that initiatives like the Hariyali Mission, Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali and ‘Ek ghanta paryavaran ke naam’ have engaged all sections of society.He recalled the PM’s ‘Ek ped maa ke naam’ initiative and appealed to people to participate in the environment’s protection by planting saplings in the name of their kin. On this occasion, the department’s additional chief secretary, Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, stated that environment’s protection is possible not only through govt’s efforts but also through people’s cooperation.