Patna: In a major green push, the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, has set a target to plant 5 crore saplings across the state during the Tree Plantation Campaign 2025, scheduled to begin on June 5 – coinciding with World Environment Day.
66 Plant Species to Be Planted Across 38 Districts
The campaign will involve planting 66 species of trees, including black rosewood, Kanak Champa, jackfruit, mahogany, neem, teak, sal, drumstick, semal, custard apple, and more. Plants will be sourced from 268 authorized nurseries, including departmental, Jeevika Didi, and Kisan nurseries.
Mass Participation Planned
The plantation drive will see participation from-
- Jeevika Didis
- Farmers
- NGOs
- Paramilitary forces
- School students
This inclusive approach aims to encourage public participation in increasing Bihar’s green cover and combating environmental degradation.
District-Wise Plantation Targets Set
Some notable district-level targets include–
- Banka – 20.57 lakh plants
- Jamui – 16.37 lakh
- Madhubani – 19.38 lakh
- East Champaran – 20.17 lakh
- Gaya – 22.11 lakh
- Rohtas – 17.06 lakh
- Patna – 13.89 lakh
- Over 1.30 crore saplings are slated for planting in the Bhagalpur region alone.
Action Plan to Be Finalized by June 15
Harjot Kaur Bamhra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department, has written to all District Magistrates (DMs), instructing them to-
- Finalize the action plan by June 15
- Conduct coordination meetings with forest officers and stakeholders
- Tag plantation sites with nurseries
- Ensure only plants taller than 3 feet are used for plantation
Mission: Increase Green Cover and Fight Climate Change
The plantation campaign aligns with Bihar’s long-term strategy to combat pollution, mitigate climate change, and expand forest cover. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental development and climate resilience.
