 AGENCIES
LUCKNOW, May 10: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has once again mobilized all departments to work together towards a greener and more sustainable state. In a unified effort inspired by the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayas" (collective effort and support), the state has set an ambitious target of planting and protecting 35 crore saplings this year.
Thanks to continued public participation and proactive government measures, Uttar Pradesh has shown significant progress in forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the state has seen an impressive increase of 559.19 square kilometers in green cover - a testament to sustained environmental action under the Yogi administration.
To ensure access to high-quality saplings for all, the government has instructed departments to make adequate preparations. Detailed action plans will be developed at the district, department, gram panchayat, and urban body levels, ensuring 100% achievement of plantation targets.
As part of its annual tradition, Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival) will be celebrated during the first week of July (July 1-7), while a massive plantation drive is also scheduled for June 5 to mark World Environment Day. Building on the success of previous years, departments have already begun preparations to ensure not just mass plantation, but also the healthy survival and growth of each sapling.
The Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change will plant about 14 crore saplings. In addition, the Rural Development Department will plant 12.59 crore, the Agriculture Department will plant 2.5 crore, the Horticulture Department will plant 1.55 crore, the Panchayati Raj Department will plant 1.27 crore, and the Revenue Department will plant 1.05 crore saplings. Other departments will also carry out plantation as per their targets.
The Yogi government has directed officials to ensure that plantation is done everywhere so that greenery spreads across the entire state. Saplings will be planted on forest land, village and community land, along expressways and canals, industrial area land, land belonging to defense and railways, medical and educational institutions, and other government land. With the help of farmers and citizens, trees will also be planted on private lands and premises.
The government has highlighted that public participation is essential in this drive. Local elected representatives must be involved in the plantation programs. Broad public engagement will be ensured, along with participation from all government and non-government organizations, civil society, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, youth and women's groups, business associations, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). |
