Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is not just making headlines for development, but also for its remarkable progress in environmental conservation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, over 242 crore saplings have been planted in the past nine years, and the government has now set a target of planting more than 35 crore saplings in 2026 under the Green UP Mission.
Record-Breaking Plantation Achievements
The state has already created history in mass plantation campaigns. On 9 July 2025, Uttar Pradesh planted 37.21 crore saplings in a single day, setting a national record. Furthermore, in Varanasi’s Suzabad Domri area, a plantation drive planted 2,51,446 saplings in just one hour, breaking China’s eight-year-old record. The achievement was officially certified by Guinness World Records judge Rishinath, with certificates awarded to Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal.
Significant Increase in Forest Cover
Since assuming office in 2017, CM Yogi Adityanath has prioritized environmental protection and mass plantation campaigns. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the forest cover in Uttar Pradesh increased by 559.19 square km, a significant milestone. Initiatives like the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign received nationwide recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising the effort. As part of this campaign, between 1–7 July 2025, 18,348 children received Green Gold Certificates, and their families were gifted saplings to foster community-led environmental awareness.
2026 Plantation Target and Budget Allocation
For 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to plant 35 crore trees, with substantial financial allocations:
- ₹800 crore for the Social Forestry Scheme
- ₹220 crore for nursery management
- ₹189 crore for state compensatory afforestation programs
These investments strengthen the Green Budget UP and support the state’s Climate Action Plan, ensuring sustainable growth alongside environmental conservation.
Village-Level Participation Through Green Chaupal
To increase public participation in environmental initiatives, the Green Chaupal program has been implemented. Over 15,000 villages have hosted these monthly meetings under the leadership of village heads, promoting awareness and local involvement. The program aims to achieve a 15% green cover in Uttar Pradesh by 2030, reinforcing the state’s commitment to balancing development and ecological sustainability.
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