Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government will establish ‘Vande Mataram Vatika’ (Vande Mataram Gardens) in all 75 districts of the state on August 15, as part of its efforts to combine environmental conservation with a message of patriotism and community participation.
The initiative is being implemented by the Forest Department under the guidance of the Yogi Adityanath government and forms part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation campaign. As part of the initiative, 150 saplings will be planted in each district, marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
150 Saplings in Every District
The Forest Department has begun preparations for the plantation drive, with one suitable location being selected in every district for the development of the Vande Mataram Vatika.
Saplings of shade-giving, fruit-bearing and environmentally beneficial species will be selected according to local climatic and ecological conditions. Responsibility for their upkeep will be assigned at the local level to ensure that the gardens develop into sustainable green assets.
The initiative is expected to involve elected representatives, students, voluntary organisations, social groups, NCC and NSS volunteers, forest officials and citizens, thereby encouraging wider community participation in environmental conservation.
Special Plantation at Kukrail in Lucknow
In Lucknow, the Vande Mataram Vatika will be expanded at the Kukrail Picnic Spot under the Awadh Forest Division.
Divisional Forest Officer Sitanshu Pandey said an Ashoka Chakra has been created at the site, and Ashoka saplings will be planted in the area surrounding its 24 spokes. The plantation area will also be fenced to protect the saplings.
Current and retired Indian Forest Service officers, along with representatives from different sections of society, are expected to participate in the plantation programme.
Linking Patriotism with Environmental Conservation
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) Deepak Kumar said the Vande Mataram Vatika initiative is an important component of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and will seek extensive participation from citizens.
Representatives of schools, colleges and universities, NGOs, social organisations, the Vande Mataram Foundation and trusts, families of freedom fighters, NCC and NSS, youth and women’s groups, serving and retired forest officers and various government departments will participate in the plantation drive.
The government expects these gardens to become lasting symbols of patriotism, environmental responsibility and community participation, while inspiring younger generations to contribute to the protection of nature.
