UP Plants Over 5 Crore Saplings for World Environment Day

LUCKNOW — The Uttar Pradesh government successfully concluded a massive statewide tree plantation drive on Friday, planting more than 5 crore (50 million) saplings in a single day to commemorate World Environment Day 2026. The initiative, spanning all 75 districts of the state, was conducted under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (a tree in mother's name) campaign, an environmental push inspired by the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the state-level program at the Kukrail Forest Area in Lucknow, where he planted a mango sapling. Following the launch, the plantation effort was mirrored across 825 development blocks, 762 urban local bodies, and all gram panchayats throughout the state. According to the state forest department, the final count of saplings planted reached 50,146,441.

Scaling Up Green Infrastructure

The one-day plantation drive is a critical component of Uttar Pradesh’s broader ecological strategy for 2026, which targets the planting of 35 crore saplings throughout the year. The state government highlighted a significant increase in nursery capacity to support these objectives; as of June 2026, government and private nurseries have prepared approximately 550 million saplings, a substantial rise from the 500,000 capacity recorded in March 2017.

Sunil Chaudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Forest Force, confirmed that 28 government departments collaborated on the initiative. Saplings of indigenous and ecologically suitable species—including Shisham, Teak, Peepal, Banyan, Neem, and various fruit-bearing trees—were planted at designated sites such as Amrit Sarovars (rejuvenated ponds), expressways, riverbanks, and city forests.

Public Participation and Institutional Support

The event saw widespread involvement from educational institutions, civil society organizations, and various government agencies. In addition to the state-led drive, Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh participated in a plantation event at the Lucknow Cantonment, emphasizing the necessity of a healthy environment for future generations.

In districts such as Sonbhadra, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, Prayagraj, and Sitapur, record-breaking participation was reported. Local administrations have been tasked with ensuring the survival of the planted saplings, particularly by arranging for water and maintenance through the upcoming monsoon season.

Quote Section

According to officials, the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign is designed to foster a personal connection between citizens and environmental conservation. During the launch, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated, "The Prime Minister has given the world the message of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' Inspired by him, Uttar Pradesh has continued to expand its large-scale plantation drive to address environmental challenges."

Why It Matters

This initiative serves as a vital step in India’s climate mitigation efforts. By increasing the state's green cover, the government aims to combat rising temperatures, improve biodiversity, and secure carbon sequestration capabilities. For citizens, the campaign encourages individual responsibility toward nature, while for the administration, it marks a shift toward sustainable urban and rural planning by integrating greenery into infrastructure projects like expressways and water conservation sites.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Total Planted: 50,146,441 saplings in a single day.

• Target: Part of a larger annual goal to plant 35 crore saplings in Uttar Pradesh in 2026.

• Scope: Conducted across all 75 districts, 825 development blocks, and all gram panchayats.

• Campaign: Held under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative.

• Primary Species: Native trees including Neem, Peepal, Teak, Jamun, and various fruit-bearing varieties.

FAQ

What is the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign? It is a nationwide plantation initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging citizens to plant a tree in the name of their mother as a gesture of environmental protection and love.

How will the government ensure these trees survive? The forest department has coordinated with various departments to ensure water and maintenance arrangements are in place, particularly through the monsoon period, for the saplings planted on June 5.

Are there plans for further plantation drives? Yes, the state government has announced plans to plant an additional 35 crore saplings throughout the year to achieve its total annual environmental target.

Who participated in the drive? The campaign involved 28 government departments, students, self-help groups, social organizations, and local residents across the state.

Summary: Uttar Pradesh successfully planted over 5 crore saplings on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the statewide "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign spanned all 75 districts, aiming to enhance the state's green cover and support India's long-term climate change mitigation goals.

Source: Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Press Information Bureau, Government of Uttar Pradesh