Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a ‘Harit Pradesh’ (Green State) under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with over 242 crore saplings planted in the last nine years. According to official data and the India State of Forest Report 2023, the state’s forest cover has increased by 559.19 square kilometres, reflecting sustained environmental efforts.
Record Plantation in a Single Day
In a major achievement, Uttar Pradesh planted 37.21 crore saplings on July 9 last year alone, setting a benchmark in large-scale environmental campaigns.
More recently, a ‘Vrihad Paudharopan Karyakram’ held in Sujabad Domri area of Varanasi created a new world record. In just one hour, residents planted 2,51,446 saplings, surpassing an eight-year-old record held in China.
The Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishinath presented the certificate to Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, marking a historic moment for the state’s green mission.
Vision 2026: Target of 35 Crore Saplings
The Yogi government has already begun preparations for the 2026 monsoon plantation drive, setting an ambitious target of over 35 crore saplings.
In the recently presented state budget, significant allocations have been made:
- ₹800 crore for the Social Forestry Scheme
- ₹220 crore for Nursery Management
- ₹189 crore for Compensatory Afforestation
These initiatives aim to strengthen ecological balance while enhancing community participation.
CM Yogi’s Direct Leadership in Green Campaigns
Since assuming office in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally monitored plantation drives, often chairing review meetings and participating in sapling plantations across districts.
Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government distributed ‘Green Gold Certificates’ to families of 18,348 newborns (born between July 1–7, 2025), along with saplings of timber, fruit, and moringa species.
Urban Forest Sets Global Benchmark
The 350-bigha urban forest developed in Sujabad Domri, Varanasi, has elevated Uttar Pradesh’s position on the global environmental map. The new record surpassed China’s 2018 achievement of planting 1,53,981 saplings in a single event.
Green Mission 2030: 15% Green Cover Target
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to increase the state’s green cover to 15% by 2030. To transform plantation into a mass movement, the Forest Department has launched ‘Green Chaupals’ at the village level.
More than 15,000 villages have already organized Green Chaupal meetings under the leadership of gram pradhans, ensuring community engagement. Monthly meetings are being held to review environmental initiatives and expand participation.
Uttar Pradesh on the Path to Sustainable Growth
With record-breaking plantation drives, increased forest cover, structured budgetary support, and grassroots participation, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a leading state in environmental sustainability.
The large-scale afforestation campaign reflects the government’s long-term vision of balancing development with ecological preservation, making UP a key contributor to India’s climate action goals.
