UP Roots for Change: 35 Crore Saplings to Branch Out This July

Uttar Pradesh will begin one of India's largest-ever green missions with the hope of planting a whopping 35 crore saplings in all 18 divisions in July 1-7. Uttar Pradesh state government has already stocked over 52 crore saplings in 1,901 nurseries to support the ambitious deadline. The targets division-wise have been slated with each division having nodal officers to take up the campaign at all levels from district to gram panchayat.

 

A major focus will be on riverbank restoration: 4.12 crore saplings are earmarked for planting along 13 major rivers, including the Yamuna, Ganga, Betwa, and Gomti, covering more than 24,000 hectares. The drive will feature a diverse mix of species such as Mango, Guava, Neem, Teak, Peepal, and Banyan, with the sacred ‘Triveni’ trio—Neem, Peepal, Pakad—highlighted for riverbank areas.

 

The campaign, being headed by mission director Deepak Kumar, will cut across various departments and extensive public participation, including farmers, youth clubs, and panchayats. While the campaign is meant to increase the green cover—up to 20% by the year 2030—it also seeks to create an environmental conservation culture throughout Uttar Pradesh.

 

Source: Hindustan Times, The Week, The Print, Times of India