Early Times Report
LUCKNOW, July 7: In a major step toward environmental protection and river rejuvenation, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh is launching a large-scale tree plantation drive along riverbanks as part of Van Mahotsav 2025. The Forest Department aims to plant around 3.5 crore saplings along major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Ken, and Betwa.
The campaign will span a 5-km stretch on either side of these rivers and is intended to enhance green cover, control pollution, conserve soil, and promote groundwater recharge. The initiative will also significantly contribute to CM Yogi Adityanath's ambitious River Rejuvenation Programme. Beyond environmental benefits, the drive is expected to aid agricultural productivity and rural incomes.
Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, several special campaigns are being carried out in Uttar Pradesh to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. From July 1, the Van Mahotsav 2025 mega plantation campaign has been underway, with a specific target to plant 35,626,329 saplings along 21,313.52 hectares of riverbank areas.
The campaign will directly support the goals of the state's River Rejuvenation Programme. Tree plantations will take place along the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Gomti, Ken, Betwa, Rapti, Son, Ramganga, Chhoti Gandak, Chambal, Hindon, and other rivers. According to the Forest Department's detailed plan, a total of 23,772.45 hectares will be covered.
Of this, the Yamuna river will see the highest number of saplings planted-9,678,330-followed by the Ganga with 5,480,994 saplings and Betwa with 5,061,251. Large-scale plantations are also planned along the Saryu/Ghaghara, Gomti, Sai, Ken, Rapti, Son, Ramganga, Chhoti Gandak, Chambal, and Hindon rivers.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for making Van Mahotsav 2025 a mass movement under the slogan "Plant trees, save lives." The Forest Department, in collaboration with other departments, has set a record-breaking target of planting 37 crore saplings on July 9 alone.
As part of this initiative, tree plantation along riverbanks will play a crucial role in reducing soil erosion and ensuring smoother river flow.
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