Yogi Government Launches Mega Plantation Drive of 35 Crore Saplings on July 12
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is set to script another chapter in its environmental conservation journey as the Yogi Adityanath government prepares to undertake one of the world’s largest plantation campaigns on July 12 under the Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2026. With an ambitious target of planting 35 crore saplings across the state in a single day, the campaign aims to strengthen ecological sustainability while promoting mass public participation in environmental protection.
The large-scale initiative, coordinated by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, is expected to witness participation from government departments, public representatives, educational institutions, social organizations, farmers, youth groups, and citizens from every district of the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure that the campaign is conducted as a public movement and celebrated as a statewide environmental festival. To guarantee its success, the Chief Minister will hold a series of meetings with public representatives and senior officials beginning this week, providing necessary guidance and reviewing preparedness at various levels. Simultaneously, the Forest Minister will conduct consultations with ministers and departmental officials to coordinate efforts across sectors.
Massive Public Participation at the Core of the Campaign
The Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2026 is designed around the principle of “Jan Bhagidari” or people’s participation. The state government has emphasized that environmental conservation can achieve lasting results only when citizens become active stakeholders in the process.
Government departments at both the Centre and State levels, schools, colleges, local bodies, community organizations, and environmental groups will participate in the campaign. The objective is not merely to plant trees but to create a long-term movement for ecological restoration and climate resilience.
Officials believe that the campaign will further strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position as a national leader in large-scale afforestation initiatives. Over the past several years, the state has consistently achieved record plantation figures and significantly increased its green cover through sustained efforts.
Forest Department to Lead the Plantation Drive
The Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, serving as the nodal agency for the campaign, will undertake the largest share of plantation activity by planting 15.50 crore saplings.
Other departments have also been assigned substantial targets:
- Rural Development Department: 10 crore saplings
- Agriculture Department: 3.25 crore saplings
- Horticulture Department: 1.50 crore saplings
- Panchayati Raj Department: 1.22 crore saplings
District Plantation Committees have already begun conducting regular review meetings to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. Detailed action plans have been prepared at district, divisional, and departmental levels, with targets distributed among participating agencies.
New Thematic Forests to be Developed Across the State
One of the distinguishing features of the Yogi government’s plantation initiatives has been the creation of thematic forests that combine ecological benefits with social and economic objectives.
Under Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2026, several new categories of forests will be established, including:
- Samaras Van (Harmony Forest)
- Samriddhi Van (Prosperity Forest)
- Krishi Van (Agriculture Forest)
- Urja Van (Energy Forest)
- Kapi Van (Monkey Conservation Forest)
The government has already launched the Maharishi Charak Aushadhi Van (Medicinal Forest) initiative on June 5, World Environment Day, focusing on the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plant species.
The plantation campaign will also feature several specialized programs such as Mission Chhaya, Aviral Dhara Plantation Initiative, Sahjan Bhandara, and Aam Bhandara.
Under Mission Chhaya, shade-giving trees will be planted along roadsides and public spaces to help mitigate rising temperatures and provide relief during extreme summer conditions. These plantations are expected to improve urban microclimates and enhance public comfort in densely populated areas.
More Than 52 Crore Saplings Prepared
To support the massive plantation target, the Forest Department has undertaken extensive preparations over the past several months.
Approximately 52.44 crore saplings have been raised in nearly 2,000 forest nurseries across Uttar Pradesh. These saplings represent a diverse range of species selected based on regional ecological requirements, climate suitability, and long-term environmental benefits.
Distribution of saplings to participating departments and local agencies has already commenced, ensuring that adequate planting material is available ahead of the campaign.
Officials have emphasized that the focus will not only be on plantation but also on the survival and maintenance of saplings through scientific monitoring and post-plantation care.
Green Corridor Along the Ganga Expressway
A major highlight of this year’s campaign will be the creation of a green corridor along the under-construction Ganga Expressway, one of India’s largest expressway projects.
The Forest Department plans to plant 5.50 lakh saplings along both sides of the 594-kilometre-long Ganga Expressway, covering approximately 500 hectares of land.
A special plantation strategy has been developed for the project. Every kilometre along the expressway will feature the traditional Harishankari plantation model, comprising ecologically significant species.
Priority will be given to indigenous and environmentally valuable trees such as:
- Peepal
- Pakad
- Banyan
- Neem
- Gular
- Mahua
- Mango
- Arjun
- Chilbil
- Amaltas
- Kachnar
- Jacaranda
- Gulmohar
To ensure healthy growth and long-term survival, protective wire fencing will be installed around plantation sites, while drip irrigation systems will be used to provide efficient water management.
Environmental experts believe that the green corridor will contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, dust reduction, and landscape enhancement along the expressway.
Environmental Events Planned Throughout the Year
The plantation campaign forms part of a broader environmental calendar prepared by the state government.
Several thematic plantation programs have been scheduled throughout the year, including:
- Vande Mataram Vatika Plantation Drive on August 15
- Brother-Sister Plantation Campaign on Raksha Bandhan, August 28
- “Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam” (A Tree for the Teacher) initiative on Teachers’ Day, September 5
These programs aim to integrate environmental conservation with social and cultural traditions, encouraging citizens to develop a personal connection with tree planting and nature conservation.
Chief Minister Emphasizes People’s Movement
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly stressed that the success of environmental initiatives depends on widespread community involvement.
He has directed the Forest Department to ensure active participation from elected representatives, educational institutions, youth organizations, and civil society groups. Special emphasis has been placed on involving:
- NCC cadets
- NSS volunteers
- Nehru Yuva Kendra organizations
- Youth and Women’s Mangal Dals
- Rotary and Lions Clubs
- Eco Clubs
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Trade Associations
- Educational Institutions
Additionally, farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme will participate in plantation activities under the supervision of the Agriculture Department.
Officials believe that such broad-based participation will transform the campaign from a government program into a statewide environmental movement.
Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Green Future
The Plantation Maha Abhiyan has become one of the flagship environmental initiatives of Uttar Pradesh. Beyond increasing tree cover, the campaign contributes to climate change mitigation, groundwater conservation, biodiversity protection, soil improvement, and air quality enhancement.
Experts note that large-scale afforestation is increasingly important as states across India confront challenges posed by rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, urbanization, and environmental degradation.
By combining administrative planning with community participation, Uttar Pradesh aims to create a sustainable model for ecological restoration that can inspire similar initiatives across the country.
According to officials, detailed targets have already been allocated to departments, divisions, and districts, and preparations are progressing rapidly. Several new thematic forests will also be inaugurated as part of this year’s campaign, further strengthening the state’s environmental infrastructure.
As Uttar Pradesh gears up for July 12, the Plantation Maha Abhiyan 2026 represents not only an ambitious effort to plant 35 crore saplings in a single day but also a powerful statement of the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. If successful, the campaign will once again reinforce Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leader in mass afforestation and citizen-led environmental action, creating a greener legacy for future generations.
