Lucknow: Reinforcing its environmental commitment alongside rapid development, Uttar Pradesh is poised to script yet another record in 2026 with an ambitious large-scale plantation drive. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state is steadily transforming into a “Harit Pradesh” (Green State), with plantation figures reaching unprecedented levels over the past nine years.
According to official data, more than 242.13 crore saplings have been planted across Uttar Pradesh since 2017—nearly four times the 65.27 crore plantations recorded between 2008 and 2016. With an additional target of over 35 crore plantations in 2026, the cumulative figure is expected to cross 277 crore, marking a historic milestone in the state’s environmental journey.
Record-Breaking Momentum Continues
Uttar Pradesh has already demonstrated its ability to achieve—and surpass—ambitious plantation targets. In 2025, the state planted an impressive 37.21 crore saplings in a single day (July 9), setting a new benchmark for mass participation and administrative coordination.
Preparations for the 2026 plantation campaign are already underway, with the Forest and Environment Department mobilizing resources, nurseries, and district administrations to ensure even greater success. More than 52 crore saplings are being readied in nurseries to support this year’s campaign.
From Vision to People’s Movement
A key factor behind the success of the plantation drives has been the effort to turn it into a people’s movement. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally led campaigns, often launching plantation initiatives on June 5—coinciding with World Environment Day, which also marks his birthday.
From schoolchildren and youth to women’s groups, government employees, and civil society organizations, participation has been widespread. The state government has actively encouraged citizens to not only plant saplings but also nurture them into full-grown trees.
Innovative initiatives like the “Green Gold Certificate” have further strengthened public engagement. In July 2025, families of over 18,000 newborns were given saplings and encouraged to nurture them alongside their children, symbolizing a shared commitment to growth and sustainability.
Expanding Green Cover
The sustained plantation efforts have begun to yield ecological benefits. As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, Uttar Pradesh’s forest cover has increased by 559.19 square kilometres—a significant gain for a densely populated state.
The government has set an ambitious target to raise the state’s green cover to 15% by 2030, aligning environmental sustainability with long-term development goals.
Global Recognition and Records
Uttar Pradesh’s plantation campaigns have also earned global recognition. In a recent large-scale event held in Varanasi, residents planted 2,51,446 saplings in just one hour at Sujabad Domri, creating a new world record and surpassing an eight-year-old record held in China.
The achievement was officially recognized by Guinness World Records, highlighting the scale of public participation and administrative efficiency in the state’s environmental initiatives.
Financial Backing and Strategic Planning
The 2026 plantation drive is supported by substantial budgetary allocations. The state government has proposed:
- ₹800 crore for social forestry schemes
- ₹220 crore for nursery management
- ₹189 crore for compensatory afforestation
These investments are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, ensuring sapling availability, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms.
‘Green Chaupal’: Taking Awareness to Villages
To deepen grassroots engagement, the government has introduced the concept of “Green Chaupal”—village-level platforms for environmental awareness and participation. Over 18,000 villages have already conducted such chaupals, where local communities, under the leadership of gram pradhans, discuss plantation strategies and conservation practices.
These meetings, held at least once a month, are designed to ensure that plantation efforts are sustained and that communities take ownership of environmental protection.
Toward a Sustainable Future
The Uttar Pradesh government’s approach reflects a broader shift—treating environmental conservation not as a standalone activity but as an integral part of development policy. By combining administrative planning, public participation, and technological support, the state is building a scalable model for ecological sustainability.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently emphasized that development and environment must go hand in hand. The large-scale plantation drives, coupled with awareness campaigns and institutional support, are a testament to this vision.
As Uttar Pradesh prepares for its 2026 plantation campaign, the numbers tell a compelling story of progress, participation, and purpose. From record-breaking drives to grassroots engagement, the state is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming a “Harit Pradesh.”
With sustained efforts and growing public involvement, Uttar Pradesh’s green transformation is not just about planting trees—it is about nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility that will shape the state’s future for generations to come.
