Lucknow — In a major step towards environmental sustainability and community engagement, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena jointly reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Tree Plantation Mega Campaign – 2025. The review meeting was held at the Parijat Auditorium, Forest and Wildlife Department Headquarters.
During the meeting, the ministers issued key directives to ensure the successful execution of the 35 crore sapling plantation target set for this monsoon season. The ambitious campaign will involve 26 state departments, local communities, and various stakeholders planting trees on forest land, community land, government and private agricultural lands across the state.
Significant Forest Cover Growth
Both ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the past eight years, with over 204 crore saplings planted and protected. According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2023 report, Uttar Pradesh has seen an increase of approximately 1.38 lakh acres in forest and tree cover over the last two years — a milestone praised during the review.
Focus on Inclusive Participation
Officials were directed to mobilize schools, colleges, universities, and medical institutions, especially newly established ones, for large-scale tree plantation. They emphasized planting medicinal and fruit-bearing plants, including widespread plantation of drumstick (sahjan) trees and raising awareness about their nutritional and medicinal value.
As part of the awareness initiative, school children will be actively engaged in the campaign through the slogan “Plant Trees, Save Lives”, and will be provided with grafted fruit plants to encourage participation.
Employment, Integration and Accountability
The ministers instructed that beneficiaries of government housing and agricultural welfare schemes be included in the plantation efforts. Furthermore, the MGNREGA scheme will be leveraged to provide employment and income security to a large number of rural laborers during the drive.
It was also suggested that 1% of the MLA Local Area Development Fund be used to purchase tree guards, and that themed plantations be carried out along roads and canals. The slogan “Trees on every bund, on every farm” will be promoted to strengthen agroforestry practices in the state.
Thematic Forest Zones and Local Species
The ministers stressed the importance of public engagement in thematic forest zones such as:
- Atal Van (Atal Forest)
- Ekta Van (Unity Forest)
- Eklavya Van (Tribal Honor Forest)
- Shaurya Van (Bravery Forest)
- Oxy Van (Oxygen Forest)
These zones, being developed in every district, are not only meant to preserve biodiversity but also to instill a sense of social and cultural pride. The plantations will feature indigenous tree species suited to the soil and climate conditions of each region. Active care and protection of these saplings will be ensured.
Special attention will be given to planting sacred and ecological trees such as peepal, pakad, banyan, neem, and gular along expressways, the U.P. Defense Industrial Corridor, and irrigation canals.
A Green Vision for Future Generations
The ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a greener, cleaner, and healthier Uttar Pradesh, where environmental protection goes hand in hand with economic and social empowerment. The mega plantation campaign is set to become one of the largest ecological restoration efforts in India, aiming to involve citizens at every level — from schoolchildren to farmers and local representatives.
