Varanasi – In a unique green initiative, the Yogi Adityanath-led government is set to develop over 15 “Vishisht Vans” (Special Forests) across Kashi (Varanasi), blending environmental conservation with cultural, social, and national themes. Each forest, named with a symbolic purpose, will promote deeper emotional and civic values alongside increasing green cover.
Launched under the state’s 2025 Mega Plantation Campaign, the initiative will run from July 18 to September 5, with events organized at various significant venues and dates. The campaign seeks to create not just green zones, but also awareness, emotional connection, and social responsibility among citizens.
Forests with a Message: Emotions Rooted in Ecology
Each “Special Forest” in Varanasi is being named to reflect a specific purpose or message:
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Shaurya/Sindoor Van (Aug 15): Honouring the bravery of India’s soldiers on Independence Day
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Bhai-Behan Van (Aug 9): Celebrating sibling bonds during Raksha Bandhan
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Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam (Sept 5): Expressing gratitude to teachers on Teachers’ Day
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Gopal Van: Dedicated to cow welfare
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Triveni Van: Commemorating the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025
Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Forest Officer Swati Srivastava said, “These forests are not just plantations but a part of a broader movement that ties ecology with Indian culture and values. We are aiming to make the campaign feel like a celebration.”
Plantation Schedule and Locations in Varanasi
| # | Forest Name | Location | Saplings | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eklavya Van | Saryu Prasad Inter College, Baragaon | 7,500 | July 18 |
| 2 | Oxy Van (Miyawaki method) | NHAI Ring Road, opposite GAIL petrol pump | 3,000 | July 19 |
| 3 | Shakti Van | NHAI Ring Road, opposite GAIL petrol pump | 3,000 | July 21 |
| 4 | Triveni Van | Barthauli Gram Samaj | 7,500 | July 23 |
| 5 | Atal Van | Atal Residential School | 500 | July 25 |
| 6 | Sahjan Bhandara | PM & CM Housing Scheme site | 500 | July 26 |
| 7 | Gopal Van | Chhahi Gram Samaj Gaushala Land | 2,600 | July 27 |
| 8 | Ekta Van | Police Line | 100 | July 31 |
| 9 | Pavitra Dhara Plantation | Markandey Mahadev Inter College, Kathi | 200 | August 4 |
| 10 | Industrial Plantations | Kanpur, Bareilly, Meerut Forest Divisions | – | Aug 6–8 |
| 11 | Bhai-Behan Van (Raksha Bandhan Vatika) | Bhohar Gram Samaj, Bheeta | 2,500 | August 9 |
| 12 | Shaurya/Sindoor Van | District Sainik Welfare Board, Cantonment | 300 | August 15 |
| 13 | Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam | Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus | 2,500 | September 5 |
Industry and Community Participation Encouraged
Industrial units will also participate in plantation drives and pledge gatherings between August 6–8, especially in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Meerut forest divisions, aiming to strengthen their role in pollution control and environmental protection.
Beyond Plantation: A Cultural Green Movement
This initiative is part of the broader “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign, promoting tree plantation as a deeply personal and cultural act. From honouring soldiers and teachers to celebrating festivals like Raksha Bandhan, each forest connects emotional, social, and national threads to environmental consciousness.
By integrating plantation with public sentiment, the Yogi government is turning forest development into a mass movement rooted in Indian values, aiming to foster a deeper respect for nature among future generations.
