The government led by Yogi Adityanath is accelerating efforts to turn Uttar Pradesh into a green state. Officials say over 242 crore saplings were planted in nine years. Forest cover has increased by 559.19 square kilometres, as per the India State of Forest Report 2023. Last year, the state planted 37.21 crore saplings in a single day.
For 2026, the government has set a target of planting 35 crore saplings. Residents in Varanasi planted over 2.5 lakh saplings in one hour during a Mega Plantation Drive. The Forest Department launched the Green Chaupal initiative across 15,000 villages. Monthly meetings encourage public participation in conservation efforts.
The Chief Minister actively reviews preparations before each plantation drive. He participates in plantation events across districts. The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign received praise from Narendra Modi. Children born in early July 2025 received Green Gold Certificates and saplings.
The state has allocated Rs 800 crore for Social Forestry and Rs 220 crore for nursery management. Another Rs 189 crore supports afforestation. The government aims to raise green cover to 15 percent by 2030.
