Uttar Pradesh has intensified its plantation-led environmental campaign as part of its broader aim to become a green state. Over the past nine years, more than 242 crore saplings have been planted across the state, contributing to an increase of 559.19 square kilometres in forest cover. The state is now preparing for another large-scale plantation drive in 2026 with a target of over 35 crore saplings.
Mass Plantation Campaign
The state recorded a major milestone with 37.21 crore saplings planted in a single day on 9 July last year. In Varanasi’s Sujabad Domri area, residents planted 2,51,446 saplings within one hour during a mega plantation drive. Such campaigns have become a central feature of the state’s environmental strategy.
Green Chaupal Initiative
To strengthen public participation, the Forest Department has launched the Green Chaupal initiative. These meetings are being organised in more than 15,000 villages at the Gram Sabha level. They are chaired by the Gram Pradhan and include participation from different sections of society. The meetings are held at least once a month and aim to build local ownership of conservation efforts.
Government Support and Budget Allocation
The plantation drive has been backed by regular monitoring and direct involvement from the state leadership. Plantation activities are reviewed before each drive, and sapling plantation is also carried out across districts during major environmental occasions. The state has also recognised children born between 1 and 7 July 2025 with Green Gold Certificates, while their parents received saplings of timber, fruit-bearing and moringa species.
Budgetary Push for Afforestation
The recent state budget has provided financial support for the programme. It includes Rs 800 crore for the Social Forestry Scheme, Rs 220 crore for Nursery Management, and Rs 189 crore for the State Compensatory Afforestation Scheme. These allocations are intended to support nursery development, plantation expansion and long-term afforestation efforts.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026