Lucknow, July 7: The Uttar Pradesh government has finalized preparations for a statewide mega plantation drive to plant 35 crore saplings on July 12 under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena affirmed during a high-level review meeting at the Forest Headquarters that the mega campaign, named Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026, will be celebrated as a public festival through widespread community participation. Central and state government departments, public representatives, social organizations, educational institutions, and the general public are set to join the environmental initiative.
The Forest Department will lead the massive effort by planting 15.50 crore saplings, while the Rural Development Department will contribute 10 crore, the Agriculture Department 3.25 crore, the Horticulture Department 1.50 crore, and the Panchayati Raj Department 1.22 crore saplings. Additionally, 5.50 lakh saplings will be planted along the Ganga Expressway. State nurseries have prepared more than 57.62 crore saplings across nearly 2,000 facilities, which are now being made available for distribution to ensure the campaign achieves total success across all regions.
Several dedicated thematic forests, such as Samaras Van, Samriddhi Van, Krishi Van, Urja Van, and Kapi Van, will be established this year. Dr. Saxena maintained that key components like Mission Chhaya will focus on planting shade-giving trees along roadsides and public places to offer respite from intense summer heat. The long-term initiative also includes upcoming milestone events, with Vande Mataram Vatika planned for Independence Day, specialized planting on Raksha Bandhan, and a dedicated tribute drive on Teachers’ Day.
Cabinet ministers across various portfolios emphasized strict structural planning and post-plantation care during the strategy session. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi asserted that healthy saplings must reach all departments promptly, specifically highlighting the importance of regular irrigation along expressways and national highways. Supporting this vision, Livestock Minister Dr. Dharampal Singh declared that adequate arrangements must be made to protect shade-giving and fodder species within cow shelters, ensuring sustainable benefits for cattle.
Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay stated that students should form emotional bonds with nature through active participation, while Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi directed officials to secure the complete cooperation of teachers and students for watering and securing the young trees. To ensure rural engagement, Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar suggested organizing village chaupals to encourage residents to saturate vacant and common lands with green cover. Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh maintained that fruit-bearing species should receive top priority, confirming that department nurseries will supply necessary stock to transform the environmental drive into a grand public celebration.
