By August 15th, 35 crore saplings to be planted in UP's rural areas

Taking a step towards increasing greenery and afforestation, the Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for a state-wide, mega sapling plantation drive, starting from July 1st. The is aim to plant at least 35 crore saplings in the entire state by Independence day this year. As a part of this drive and to mark 'Azadi ka Amrit Varsh' on August 15th, 75 saplings will be planted in every village of the state.

As stated by the State of Forest Report 2021, only 9.23% of the total geographical land is covered with trees. The government has set a target to increase this to 15% by 2030. In order to do so, the UP government has decided to plant over 175 crore saplings in the next five years, mainly during the monsoon.

Plants like Jackfruit, Banyan, Peepal, Bael, Pakad, Neem, Amla, Mango, and Drumstick will be sowed during the sapling plantation drive. This initiative will help control pollution in the state as well.

Environmental activists, Chief Minister Abhyudaya Yojana beneficiaries, teachers, students, farmers, empowered force, women, disabled, low-income groups, tribal forests, and people from other strata of society will also be keenly involved in the plantation drive.