Lucknow, May 30: The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for a significant tree plantation initiative under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department is preparing for the Plantation Mahabhiyan-2026. This year, the goal is to plant 35 crore saplings during the monsoon season, with over 1,900 nurseries readying 52.44 crore plants.
The nodal department aims to contribute more than 15 crore saplings. Regular meetings of the district plantation committees are underway to ensure smooth execution. This initiative will also see the establishment of new forests, with over 5.50 lakh saplings to be planted along the Ganga Expressway. A large-scale plantation program is scheduled for World Environment Day on June 5.
The department is actively preparing for the types of plants to be used. The nurseries will produce a variety of plants, including industrial, ornamental, environmental, fruit-bearing, and medicinal species. Planting will also occur along expressways throughout the state.
Special attention will be given to the Ganga Expressway, where the Forest Department plans to plant 5.50 lakh saplings across 500 hectares along its 594 km stretch. Each kilometer will feature Harishankari trees, while other species like Peepal, Pakad, Banyan, Neem, Gular, Mahua, Mango, Arjun, Chilibill, Amaltas, Kachnar, and Gulmohar will also be prioritized. To ensure their survival, fencing and drip irrigation systems will be implemented.
The Yogi government establishes new forests each year. This year’s Plantation Mahabhiyan-2026 will introduce several new forests, including the Maharishi Charak Medicinal Forest, Samaras Forest, Prosperity Forest, Agricultural Forest, Energy Forest, and Kapi Forest. Key components of the campaign will include Mission Chhaya, Aviral Dhara plantation, and Moringa and Mango storage initiatives. Under Mission Chhaya, shade-providing trees will be planted along roads and public spaces to offer relief from the heat.
Additionally, special plantation events are planned for August 15, with the Vande Mataram Garden, sibling tree planting on Raksha Bandhan on August 28, and the “One Tree for the Teacher” initiative on Teacher’s Day, September 5. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently held a meeting to discuss the preparations for Plantation Mahabhiyan-2026, emphasizing the importance of public participation and celebrating the initiative as a festival.
CM Yogi stated that participation from all representatives, organizations, NCC, NSS, Nehru Youth Centre, youth and women’s clubs, Rotary-Lions, Eco Clubs, FPOs, and trade associations is essential. Registered farmers under the Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi will also be part of this initiative, overseen by the Agriculture Department. Ramkumar, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Mission Director for the Plantation Mahabhiyan, confirmed that the department is fully engaged in preparations for the 35 crore sapling target this monsoon season.
He noted that extensive public participation will be encouraged, with cooperation from various departments, institutions, schools, colleges, and social organizations. Goals have been set for different departments and districts, and several specialized forests will be established this year, particularly along the Ganga Expressway.
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