Lucknow: In a pioneering move towards sustainable development, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has launched a unique initiative to transform every village in the state into a ‘Green Village’ by 2030. The plan aims to significantly increase the state’s green cover to 15%, ensuring public participation in environmental conservation.
As per the Chief Minister’s directive, each gram panchayat will hold a monthly ‘Green Chaupal’ on the third Friday, barring state holidays, in which villagers, local institutions, and administrative functionaries will discuss and implement environment-related action plans. The gram pradhan (village head) will preside over the meetings, with the gram panchayat secretary acting as coordinator.
The Green Chaupal will have a diverse set of members including representatives from Self Help Groups, Anganwadi workers, school principals, progressive farmers, environmentalists, and local NGOs. Representatives from various departments will also be invited as special guests.
To ensure grassroots execution, Green Chaupals will actively contribute to plantation drives through micro-plans, focus on greening vacant public lands, and promote awareness campaigns on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable energy. District-level tree plantation committees will monitor the Chaupal activities, which will also include rallies, nukkad nataks, and eco-awareness events in schools.
A special Gram Harit Nidhi (Village Green Fund) will be established to support plantation and green upkeep. Progressive Green Chaupals will be recognized and awarded at both district and state levels, with regular assessments being carried out under the supervision of the Chief Development Officer and Divisional Forest Officer.
This initiative aligns with multiple central and state schemes like MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and aims to build community-led environmental responsibility across rural Uttar Pradesh.
