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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In her article in The Hindu, Gandhi accused the Modi government of ignoring laws and constitutional safeguards. She explained that the Nicobarese, who lost their homes during the 2004 tsunami, now face permanent displacement. The Shompen, a particularly vulnerable group, risk losing their ancestral forests and social identity. She added that tribal councils had opposed the project after being rushed into approvals.

Gandhi warned that the project could cut between 8.5 lakh and 58 lakh trees, wiping out old-growth rainforests. She said this destruction would threaten rare species such as the Nicobar macaque, sea turtles, and dugongs. She rejected the government’s “compensatory afforestation” plan, arguing that plantations cannot replace centuries-old forests.

The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar project includes a transshipment port, airport, township, and power plant covering 160 sq km in a high-risk seismic zone. Gandhi urged citizens to resist this ecological and humanitarian disaster before it becomes irreversible.

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