Early Times Report
Lucknow, July 28: The plantation campaign led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh has gathered unprecedented momentum, transforming from a simple initiative into a grand green mission. What began as a government scheme has now evolved into a state-wide movement, drawing participation from citizens, saints, security personnel, social workers, students, and institutions alike. The campaign has emerged as a shining symbol of public involvement and environmental commitment.
Among the most inspiring contributors is Shipra Pathak—widely known as the ‘Water Woman’—who has planted over 51 lakh saplings along the banks of 11 rivers. A motivational speaker from Badaun, Shipra, aims to plant one crore saplings through organisation, Panchtatva Sanstha.
Another remarkable contributor is Mukesh Babu Singh Chauhan, the Environment Incharge at the Lucknow Police Commissionerate. Known as the ‘Khaki Wale Tree Man’, Chauhan has planted approximately 4.70 lakh saplings through the Mata Anara Devi Shaheed Sansthan, inspired by CM Yogi’s green vision.
Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious greenery policy has now become a model for other states. Environmentalist Sujata Singh from Maharashtra has also joined the campaign. From commemorating birthdays and anniversaries of notable personalities to celebrating festivals, tree plantations are now deeply ingrained in the cultural and social fabric of the state.
As part of this movement, saplings are being planted in institutions such as CISF, ISRO, PAC, CBCID, and various schools and colleges. In districts like Lucknow, Sitapur, Barabanki, and Etawah, free saplings are being distributed and planted with enthusiastic community participation.
Children are being sensitised to environmental responsibility through a special nursery developed in Malihabad, where school students plant saplings, instilling green values from a young age. In Prayagraj, under the guidance of Mahant Pujya Balveer Giri Ji Maharaj of the Bade Hanuman Temple, sacred and medicinal plants such as Tulsi, Bel, Durva, Chichida, and Shami are being planted in the Saptarishi Vatika. The youngest Ganga Sevak, Manas Chirvijay, honored by CM Yogi, has described this mission as a ‘spiritual yagya’.
In Ayodhya, Swami Dilip Das Tyagi of Raghuvansh Sankalp Seva has contributed by planting over one lakh saplings, calling the campaign a movement towards ecological awareness and a greener future for generations to come. |
