Lucknow, March 3 (NationPress) The government led by Yogi Adityanath is committed to converting Uttar Pradesh into a 'green state', as evidenced by the significant increase in sapling planting activities in recent years.

Official reports indicate that over 242 crore saplings have been planted throughout the state over the past nine years, contributing to a notable rise in forest cover by 559.19 square kilometers. Last year, an unprecedented 37.21 crore saplings were planted in just one day on July 9.

Looking ahead, the state government aims to plant more than 35 crore saplings by 2026. During a recent 'Mega Plantation Drive' in the Sujabad Domri area of Varanasi, Kashi residents successfully planted 251,446 saplings in merely one hour.

The Forest Department has initiated the 'Green Chaupal' program to foster public involvement in environmental preservation. In collaboration with various governmental bodies, these Green Chaupals are being conducted in over 15,000 villages during Gram Sabha meetings, led by the Gram Pradhan and inclusive of community representatives. These gatherings are mandated to occur at least once each month.

Importantly, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has personally taken charge of enhancing the state's greenery. Whether on World Environment Day (June 5) or during monsoon planting events, he actively leads the initiatives. Prior to each planting campaign, he organizes review meetings and partakes in tree planting across various districts.

Thanks to these concerted efforts, over 242 crore saplings have been planted in nine years, resulting in a tangible increase in forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the forest cover in Uttar Pradesh has expanded by 559.19 square kilometers.

In a special initiative, 18,348 children born between July 1 and July 7, 2025, have received 'Green Gold Certificates', and their parents were provided with saplings of timber, fruit-bearing, and moringa varieties. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign has also garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The state government is currently preparing for another extensive plantation push during the 2026 monsoon, with a target of 35 crore saplings. The Forest and Environment Department has issued directives to nurseries, departments, and districts for advance planning.

The recently introduced budget allocates Rs 800 crore for the Social Forestry Scheme, Rs 220 crore for Nursery Management, and Rs 189 crore for the State Compensatory Afforestation Scheme.

The Chief Minister has articulated a goal to boost the state's green cover to 15 percent by 2030.