Lucknow, July 10 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday gave a stern warning to anti-social and anti-national elements, saying his government is taking strict action against those indulging in such activities and will not allow them to divide the society. Adityanath, who led the state government's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign and planted saplings in Ayodhya, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur, was referring to the arrest of the Balrampur-based Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhaangur Baba, the alleged kingpin of illegal religious conversions. Over 37.21 crore saplings were planted on Wednesday during a mega campaign even as the chief minister said the state, facing heatwaves, has been progressing on the path of green waves. "We apprehended a criminal yesterday who was exploiting Hindu women and bargaining over their dignity. Such elements are now being dealt with sternly. We will not allow society to fragment and will crush all anti-national and anti-social forces," Yogi said in Azamgarh. The chief minister used the occasion to target Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other SP leaders. He said though Azamgarh has elected many big (SP) leaders, it was the BJP which brought development to the region with the Purvanchal Expressway and educational institutions following the election of Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua. He said the double engine government (BJP governments in UP and at the Centre) has brought development while others have brought development to their family and have indulged in dividing the society. A Harishankari Vatika was set up along the expressway at Kerma village in Sathiyaon block of Azamgarh district. The district planted 60 lakh saplings. Yogi personally planted the 60th lakh sapling, said an official press release. He said despite heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ayodhya, the plantation campaign continued with great enthusiasm. "The Earth is not merely a piece of land-in India, we share a deep spiritual bond with her. Our sages and saints have instilled in us the values that connect us to Mother Earth. If she is healthy, we are healthy; if she falls ill, it endangers all life," he said. Describing the plantation campaign as a sacred mission, the chief minister said it aims to restore the Earth's health while preserving the cherished memory of the mother. He noted that the sapling plantation campaign began eight years ago under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance as a response to climate change and extreme weather. "Since then, Uttar Pradesh has planted over 204 crore saplings. Both national and international institutions now recognise that forest cover in U.P. is increasing. In 2017, U.P's forest cover was just 9%. Today, it has increased to 10%." He urged the people to take saplings from the forest department and plant them. "Do plant one tree in your mother's name, upload a selfie, and you may also win a prize," he said. He thanked the Azamgarh administration and acknowledged the support of public representatives and citizens in taking up the revival of the Tamsa river. In Ayodhya, he said with the plantation of 204 crore saplings in eight years, an additional 5 lakh acre area has been added to UP's forest cover. Yogi planted saplings of banyan, neem, and peepal at Triveni Vatika on the banks of the Saryu in Ayodhya, dedicating them to Lord Ram, Mother Earth and all mothers. Addressing a public gathering, he emphasised the initiative's vital role in tackling climate change and promoting environmental conservation. Quoting scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose, he affirmed that trees possess life and serve vital functions. He cited the Vedic verse "Mata Bhoomi: Putroham Prithivyaah", meaning, "The Earth is my mother, and I am her son." The CM presented drumstick (sahjan) saplings to Zero Poverty scheme beneficiaries Amarjeet, Rinku Devi, Sonmati Devi, Budhiram and Anita Devi. He also gifted saplings and chocolates to students: Deepak Chauhan and Amrita Yadav of Class 7 and Shweta Maurya, Shakeena, and Mohini Rajbhar of Class 8....