Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath launches state-wide Mega Tree Plantation Drive

CM Yogi launched a state wide tree plantation campaign.
CM Yogi Adityanath during the launch of tree plantation campaign (Image via X/@myogiadityanath)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday (12th July) launched a state-wide ‘Mega Tree Plantation Drive’ (Plantation Mahayagya) from Gorakhpur. He kick-started the drive by planting a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign near the Gorakhpur Link Expressway along the Tal Ring Road near RKBK.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Yogi emphasised that planting trees “is a divine act and a pledge to serve creation, worship humanity, and safeguard the future”. He urged people to plant a tree in the name of their mothers. CM Yogi also inspected newly planted saplings and directed officials to ensure their maintenance, and interacted with students from Sainik School, NCC cadets and Scouts. He encouraged youngsters to work for environmental conservation and clicked pictures with them.

Along with CM Yogi, Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad and Minister of State for Forest and Environment (Independent Charge) Arun Kumar Saxena were also present during the launch of the campaign.

Under the Yogi government, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a record planting of 35 crore saplings this year alone. In a post on X, the Chief Minister informed that a forestry-based calendar was released on the occasion under the aegis of the Forest Department.

“On this occasion, the Vikas Vatika was established, a forestry-based calendar was released under the aegis of the Forest Department, and by planting a ‘Maulsari’ sapling, renewed energy was infused into the sacred resolve of ‘Green Uttar Pradesh’. Additionally, saplings were provided to beneficiaries of the Chief Minister Awas Yojana, and checks were also given to distinguished individuals fulfilling their vital roles in the forest cover campaign,” CM Yogi wrote on X.

State officials reportedly confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed for the campaign in coordination with the Forest Department. The campaign will witness the coordination and participation of 27 government departments.

For this year, officials have set a target of planting 5.53 million saplings in Gorakhpur district alone. The largest share of the overall target has been assigned to the state Forest Department with a target of 1.94 million saplings. The Rural Development Department has been given the target of planting 1.86 million saplings, followed by the Agriculture Department with 576,000, the Horticulture Department with 285,000, the Environment Department with 238,000, the Panchayati Raj Department with 202,000 and the Revenue Department with 143,000.

“Progress from all districts is being uploaded through the Forest Department’s online monitoring system, including photographs of plantation sites. By 10 a.m., officials reported that more than 52 million saplings had already been planted across Uttar Pradesh,” the state government said in a statement.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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