Patna: Bihar has recorded a major environmental milestone under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Campaign, with the state’s green cover now crossing 15.5 percent after more than 21.24 crore saplings were planted over the past seven years.
The campaign, driven by Bihar’s Rural Development Department, has not only accelerated plantation across rural areas but also generated livelihood opportunities through nursery development, fruit-bearing plantations, and participation of women’s self-help groups, especially Jeevika Didis.
Over 21.24 Crore Saplings Planted Across Bihar
According to official figures, a total of 212,497,366 saplings have been planted under the campaign since its implementation began in 2019.
This large-scale plantation effort has covered:
• village roads
• canal embankments
• school campuses
• public spaces
• government office premises
• Gram Panchayat lands
The sustained plantation drive has significantly improved the ecological footprint of rural Bihar.
Year-Wise Plantation Data Shows Strong Growth
The annual plantation numbers show consistent expansion, with the highest plantation recorded in 2024–25.
Saplings Planted by Financial Year
• 2024–25: 40,601,631
• 2025–26: 33,793,997
• 2023–24: 33,108,362
• 2022–23: 27,241,089
• 2021–22: 33,108,904
• 2020–21: 32,619,678
• 2019–20: 14,813,705
Officials say the increasing annual numbers reflect stronger institutional execution and public participation.
Green Cover Expands to 15.5 Percent
As a result of sustained plantation efforts, Bihar’s green cover has now reached 15.5 percent.
The state government has fixed a further target of 17 percent green cover by 2028.
This target is being linked to long-term climate resilience and ecological restoration.
Employment Boost Through Nurseries and Plantation
A major social outcome of the campaign has been livelihood generation in rural areas.
Who Benefited
• Self-Help Groups
• Jeevika Didis
• small farmers
• local nursery workers
Women associated with Bihar’s livelihood mission are now earning through:
• nursery cultivation
• sale of saplings
• fruit-based plantation output
Many are reportedly earning lakhs annually through nursery-based activities.
Fruit-Bearing and Air-Purifying Plants Strengthen Rural Economy
The plantation model includes:
• fruit-bearing saplings
• shade trees
• air-purifying species
Fruit plantations are adding supplementary farm income while also improving biodiversity.
Climate Strategy Linked to Rural Development
The campaign is increasingly being seen as a combined environmental and economic model.
By integrating ecology with rural livelihoods, Bihar has attempted to align climate goals with local income generation.
Minister Shrawan Kumar Highlights Climate Importance
Shrawan Kumar, Rural Development Minister of Bihar, said climate change remains a serious global concern and tree plantation is essential to address its impact.
According to him, the campaign has produced major gains in:
• environmental conservation
• ecological balance
• women-led employment generation
He also said lakhs of Jeevika Didis have found new livelihood opportunities through plantation-linked work.
Why Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Matters
The campaign has emerged as one of Bihar’s most visible rural environmental programmes because it combines:
• ecological restoration
• community participation
• women’s livelihood
• climate adaptation
Its long-term success will now depend on sapling survival and continued expansion.
Read also: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Launches ₹546 Crore Development Projects in Araria During Samriddhi Yatra
