Ambedkar Nagar (UP): In one of the largest coordinated environmental awareness drives ever undertaken at the district level in Uttar Pradesh, Ambedkar Nagar successfully organized the “Green Chaupal” campaign simultaneously across all 899 Gram Panchayats, mobilizing more than 1,85,751 citizens in a single day.
The unprecedented initiative was conducted under the visionary leadership of 2016 batch IAS officer Eesha Priya, District Magistrate of Ambedkar Nagar, and was held under the auspices of the India Book of Records. The campaign sought to transform environmental conservation, climate awareness and sustainable living into a mass movement rooted in rural participation and community ownership.
One of Uttar Pradesh’s Largest Rural Environmental Mobilisations
The mega campaign covered the entire district, including:
- 5 Tehsils
- 9 Development Blocks
- 899 Gram Panchayats
- 1,85,751+ participants
The programme saw enthusiastic participation from Gram Pradhans, Panchayat Secretaries, Lekhpals, Block Development Officers, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Self-Help Groups, students, women’s groups, youth volunteers, farmers and local residents.
Officials described the initiative as a landmark example of participative governance, where administration, elected representatives and village communities came together to promote sustainable rural development.
Focus Areas of the Green Chaupal Campaign
The awareness sessions highlighted key environmental and sustainability themes, including:
- Tree plantation and survival of saplings
- Water conservation
- Climate change awareness
- Waste management and village cleanliness
- Carbon credits and carbon financing
- Cow conservation and ecological sustainability
- Sustainable lifestyles
- Reduction in unnecessary petrol and diesel consumption
Villagers were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as using public transport, carpooling, cycling and walking for short-distance travel.
Inspired by the Vision of PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath
The campaign reflected the environmental vision promoted by Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing sustainable development and responsible living.
Officials said the initiative carried forward the broader national vision of:
“From Swachh Bharat to Sundar Bharat”
by integrating cleanliness, greenery, sustainability and citizen participation at the grassroots level.
13-Point Green Chaupal Charter Adopted
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of the 13-Point Green Chaupal Charter, designed to bring lasting behavioral and environmental change at the village level.
The charter includes commitments related to:
- Plantation by every household
- Protection of ponds and water bodies
- Waste segregation and sanitation
- Green transportation awareness
- Biodiversity conservation
- Environmental education
- Geo-tagging and monitoring of plantations
- Community-led sustainable village development
Farmers Informed About Carbon Financing and Agroforestry
Special sessions were conducted to educate farmers about the economic and environmental potential of plantation and agroforestry.
Topics discussed included:
- Financial benefits of tree plantation
- Carbon absorption capacity of trees
- Sustainable plantation techniques
- Long-term gains through carbon financing
The initiative introduced villagers to emerging opportunities where environmental conservation can also generate additional income.
Action Plans for Monsoon Plantation Drive
To ensure measurable outcomes, each Gram Panchayat has been directed to prepare a one-month environmental and plantation action plan ahead of the monsoon season.
These plans will guide local efforts on plantation, monitoring, water conservation and community awareness.
India Book of Records Recognition Expected
Conducted under the auspices of the India Book of Records, the campaign is expected to be considered under categories such as:
- Maximum Gram Panchayats Organized for a Green Chaupal Awareness Programme
- Largest Green Chaupal Awareness Campaign Conducted in Minimum Time
A Replicable Model for Climate-Conscious Governance
The Ambedkar Nagar administration believes that Green Chaupal can serve as a scalable national model for integrating climate awareness with grassroots governance.
By combining administrative leadership, local participation and sustainable planning, the district has demonstrated how environmental action can become a powerful community movement.
As India intensifies its focus on climate resilience and green development, Ambedkar Nagar’s record-setting initiative stands out as an inspiring example of how villages can lead the way toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
