Goa Launches 'Green Goa, Clean Goa' Campaign to Plant 10 Lakh Trees

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jun 29, 2026 1,750 Views

The Government of Goa has launched the "Green Goa, Clean Goa" campaign, aiming to plant one million saplings within 90 days. Aligning with national sustainability goals, the initiative focuses on restoring ecology, creating green highway corridors along NH66, and promoting public participation through the digital Meri LiFE tracking portal.

PANAJI — The Government of Goa officially launched the "Green Goa, Clean Goa" movement on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026, setting an ambitious target to plant nearly 10 lakh (one million) saplings across the state within 90 days. The campaign, which seeks to bolster the state’s environmental health through large-scale plantation drives, is set to conclude by early September.

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (Plant a Tree in the Name of Mother) initiative, the campaign focuses on "Jan Bhagidari," or public participation. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized that the drive is more than a traditional plantation exercise, framing it as a crucial step toward ensuring Goa's long-term sustainability.

A Strategic Green Corridor

A major component of the campaign is the "Green NH66 Mission," which aims to transform approximately 70 kilometres of the National Highway 66 (NH66) into a green corridor. Stretching from Patradevi in North Goa to Galgibag in South Goa, this initiative involves planting trees along highway medians and roadside avenues. According to the state government, this effort is designed to mitigate vehicle headlight glare, stabilize soil, and increase carbon sequestration along one of the state's most critical transit routes.

Community and Corporate Involvement

The government is encouraging active participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

Local Governance: Panchayats, municipalities, and Biodiversity Management Committees.
Institutional Support: Educational institutions, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and NGOs.
Corporate Responsibility: Private companies are invited to contribute to the initiative through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

To ensure transparency and track progress, the state has adopted the Meri LiFE portal as the official digital platform. Participating organizations can register their plantation sites, upload geotagged photographs, and provide video documentation of their efforts.

Awards and Recognition

To maintain momentum throughout the 90-day period, the government has announced a series of awards to be presented on Goa Liberation Day, December 19, 2026. Recognition will be given to top-performing panchayats and municipalities, as well as those who successfully convert barren or degraded land into productive green spaces or forest cover.

Why It Matters

The "Green Goa, Clean Goa" campaign addresses the dual challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change. By mandating the use of native and indigenous species, the government aims to enhance biodiversity and ensure higher survival rates for the saplings. For the state, which relies heavily on its natural beauty for both its economy and residents' quality of life, this initiative represents a systematic effort to protect its ecological heritage against developmental pressures.

Key Facts at a Glance

Target: Planting nearly 10 lakh (1 million) saplings.
Duration: A 90-day green mission (June 5 to September 5, 2026).
Primary Corridor: Plantation drives along the 70km stretch of NH66.
Tracking: All plantation activities are being monitored via the Meri LiFE digital portal.
Recognition: State-level awards for top contributors to be presented on December 19, 2026.

FAQ

How can citizens participate in the campaign?

Citizens, institutions, and community groups are encouraged to join by planting saplings and documenting their efforts on the Meri LiFE portal. Saplings are available at Forest Department nurseries.

Why is NH66 a focus area for the plantation drive?

The highway corridor is being converted into a "green belt" to reduce carbon emissions, lower vehicle headlight glare, and improve soil stability along the state's major transit artery.

How is the government ensuring the saplings survive?

The initiative emphasizes the use of native, climate-resilient tree species and involves local Biodiversity Management Committees to provide ongoing care and monitoring.