Sitapur (UP), July 20 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday publicly criticised officials for inadequate arrangements during a tree plantation programme.

“We have to be careful how trees are planted… It is my nature to reprimand those who do not do a good job. It is our responsibility. The pits dug were not deep enough to accommodate big plants… Who will take care of it, we have to do it,” an indignant Patel said in an address to officials and other participants of the event.

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The governor told officials that she had given clear instructions on how to plant trees properly. She criticized state and forest department officials, saying it was their responsibility to ensure the event was conducted properly.

“I won’t forgive you… It will be in the papers tomorrow, but it’s important to say this,” she said.

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Without naming names, she said the ministers concerned should also have checked whether proper arrangements had been made for tree planting.

Rakesh Rathore Guru, Minister of State for Urban Development, and Suresh Rahi, Minister of State for Prisons, are from the district and were not present at the meeting.

The Governor said members of many organisations were present at the collection drive at Army Land in Khairabad area and it was important to utilise the opportunity effectively.

She also criticized the participants and teachers, saying they were more interested in taking selfies than understanding their responsibilities.

“Did I come here for the photographs? I came to Sitapur after a journey of one and a half hours. If I had known (about the arrangements), I would never have come here,” she said.

“The officers and leaders have shown great negligence in this program,” she said at the event.

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