NewKerala.com

UP Plants 242 Crore Saplings in 9 Years, Boosts Forest Cover by 559 Sq Km

The Uttar Pradesh government has planted over 242 crore saplings in the last nine years, significantly boosting the state's forest cover by 559.19 square kilometres. Key initiatives like the 'Green Chaupal' program ensure active community involvement in conservation efforts at the village level. The state achieved a record by planting 37.21 crore saplings in a single day last year and is preparing for another large-scale drive targeting 35 crore saplings in the 2026 monsoon. With substantial budget allocations and a goal to reach 15% green cover by 2030, the campaign is a top priority for the administration.

Key Points: UP's Green Mission: 242 Crore Saplings Planted in Nine Years

  • 242+ crore saplings planted in 9 years
  • Forest cover increased by 559.19 sq km
  • 'Green Chaupal' drives public participation
  • Target of 35 crore saplings for 2026 monsoon drive
2 min read

Making UP green state: Over 242 crore saplings planted in nine years

Uttar Pradesh's massive plantation drive has planted over 242 crore saplings, increasing forest cover by 559 sq km. Learn about the Green Chaupal initiative and future targets.

"The Yogi Adityanath-led government is on a mission to transform Uttar Pradesh into a 'green state' - Official Statement"

Lucknow, March 3

The Yogi Adityanath-led government is on a mission to transform Uttar Pradesh into a 'green state', and the goal is evident from the heightened scale of sapling plantations in the past few years.

According to official estimates, more than 242 crore saplings have been planted across the state in the last nine years, leading to a spike in the state's forest cover by 559.19 square kilometres. Last year, a record 37.21 crore saplings were planted in a single day on July 9 alone.

In 2026, the state government set out a target of planting over 35 crore saplings. In a recent 'Mega Plantation Drive' held in Sujabad Domri area of Varanasi over the weekend, the residents of Kashi planted 2,51,446 saplings within just one hour.

The Forest Department has launched the 'Green Chaupal' initiative to ensure active public participation in environmental conservation. In collaboration with various departments, Green Chaupals are being organised in over 15,000 villages at the Gram Sabha level. These meetings are chaired by the Gram Pradhan and include representatives from all sections of society. Meetings are mandatorily held at least once a month.

Notably, the Uttar Pradesh CM has personally prioritised increasing greenery in the state. Whether on World Environment Day on June 5 or during monsoon plantation drives, he has led the campaign from the front. Before each plantation drive, he conducts review meetings and personally participates in planting saplings across various districts.

As a result of sustained efforts, over 242 crore saplings have been planted in nine years, resulting in a measurable increase in forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Uttar Pradesh's forest cover has increased by 559.19 square kilometres.

Under a special initiative, 18,348 children born between July 1 and 7, 2025, were awarded 'Green Gold Certificates,' and their parents were given saplings of timber, fruit-bearing, and moringa species. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign also received appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The state government has begun preparations for another large-scale plantation drive in the monsoon of 2026, with a proposed target of 35 crore saplings. The Forest and Environment Department has issued instructions to nurseries, departments, and districts for advance preparations.

In the recently presented budget, Rs 800 crore has been proposed for the Social Forestry Scheme, Rs 220 crore for Nursery Management, and Rs 189 crore for the State Compensatory Afforestation Scheme.

The Chief Minister has laid out plans and goals of enhancing the state's green cover to 15 per cent by 2030.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Impressive numbers, no doubt. But the real test is survival rate. Planting 37 crore in a day is a record, but how many survive past the first monsoon? We need transparent data on sapling survival, not just plantation counts. The budget allocation is good, but must be used for proper care.
A
Aman W
'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and giving saplings to new parents are such beautiful concepts. It connects environmental work with our culture and family values. This is how you build a lasting legacy. More power to such initiatives!
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to UP often, I have noticed more green patches along the highways in the last few years. The scale of ambition here is commendable. Increasing forest cover by 559 sq km is a tangible result. Hope the 15% by 2030 goal is met.
V
Vikram M
Good work, but focus should also be on native species. Sometimes in these drives, fast-growing trees are planted which don't support local biodiversity. The Forest Department must ensure a good mix of native fruit-bearing and timber species for long-term ecological health.
K
Kavya N
The involvement of Gram Pradhans and holding meetings at the Gram Sabha level is key. When the local leadership owns the project, maintenance becomes their responsibility. This could be a game-changer for rural environmental conservation. UP setting a strong example!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50