Environmental conservation Archives - India Podcast

Uttar Pradesh Pushes Massive Green Plantation Drive

Anil Vanna — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:47:18 +0000

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.

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HYDRAA speeds up restoration of city lakes

Anil Vanna — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:24:57 +0000

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has fast-tracked the restoration of six major lakes in the city. These include Sunnam Cheruvu, Tammidikunta Cheruvu, Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu, Uppal Nalla Cheruvu, Bum-Rukh-Ud-Daula Lake, and Bathukamma Kunta. The total project cost is ₹58.5 crore. Bathukamma Kunta is already complete and was inaugurated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The remaining lakes are expected to be ready by December.

HYDRAA teams faced several challenges during the works. Bathukamma Kunta’s progress stopped briefly due to a court case. At Bum-Rukh-Ud-Daula Lake, locals claimed ownership of land inside the lake boundary. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath assured that eligible residents would receive Transferable Development Rights (TDR).

Demolition drives at Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu and Tammidikunta Kunta met initial resistance from encroachers. However, locals now welcome the progress of beautification and cleanup works.

HYDRAA partnered with Vimos Technocrats to prepare Detailed Project Reports and design plans. After completing the current phase, HYDRAA will collaborate with GHMC, HMDA, and the Irrigation Department for the next round of lake restoration projects.

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Yogi Adityanath Reviews Gomti Cleanup, Announces Statewide Unity Events

Anil Vanna — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:03:35 +0000

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the progress of the Gomti River cleanup under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. He met officials of the Gomti Task Force from the 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (TA) in Lucknow to assess the ongoing work.

Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, Chief of Staff, Central Command, Indian Army, briefed the Chief Minister on the progress. He highlighted regular foot and boat patrols, the removal of over 1,000 tons of water hyacinth, and 100 awareness drives involving 70,000 citizens. Yogi appreciated the work and directed the creation of an inter-departmental committee for coordinated efforts.

The state will also celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Events include a statewide ‘Run for Unity’ with thousands of youth promoting national integration and awareness about Jan Jagran Abhiyan initiatives.

Yogi announced a three-day padayatra in every Lok Sabha constituency, covering 8 to 10 kilometres. Local programmes such as essay writing, debates, seminars, yoga camps, and cleanliness drives will honour Patel’s contributions and promote unity across Uttar Pradesh.

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