Lucknow, 30 June (HS) : The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday set a target to plant 25 crore saplings in a day and 30 crore saplings in a week in a mega plantation drive beginning from July 1 under Mission Vriksharopan 2021 and the Van Mahotsav campaign.
To fulfill the aim of planting as many as 30 crore saplings in the fixed span of the first week of July, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives to the State Forest Department and other concerned authorities to expedite the action plan while working in coordination to ensure that the target is met.
Besides, the state government has also set a target of planting trees essential for nature, environment, humans and for the society.
While holding a review meeting with concerned departments regarding the preparations for the plantation drive, the CM said that the plants would be planted keeping in mind the adaptability to the ‘agro-climatic zone’. He said the plantation drive would include saplings of trees that are fruit-bearing, that provide shade, timber, as well as are rich in medicinal properties like Banyan, Peepal, Pakar, Neem, Mango, Jamun, Drumstick, Teak and Tamarind among others.
Special instructions have been issued to strictly adhere to Covid-19-appropriate behaviour and to ensure 100 percent usage of double masks, sanitisers, frequent hand washing and social distancing measures while planting the saplings.
In an effort to save and preserve the century-old trees, the state government has also instructed to identify trees of more than 100 years of age as ‘Heritage Trees’ and that they should be protected in order to preserve their ecological value, cultural and historical significance.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister has asked to rope in concerned citizens, non-governmental organisations (NGO), voluntary organizations, and public representatives to spread awareness about the mass plantation drive.
To ensure local participation, the government has sought coordination with the departments of rural development, panchayati raj and other educational institutions to draw in more and more youth, farmers and villagers to strengthen the drive.
Trees to be planted along highways & roads
Stating that trees are a vital source of food, medicine, and raw materials as well as have a cultural and sacred significance, the state government has directed to plant maximum number of trees along the highways, expressways, roads and canals. With this, plantations will be done at other suitable places including industrial complexes and vacant government land.
The Chief Minister has also given instructions to make medicinal gardens in every district. Under the plantation campaign, their geo-tagging will also be done compulsorily. Tree guards will be deployed to protect the plants.
To meet the target of planting 30 crore saplings the following departments will plant as many trees:
Forest Department 10.80 crore, Rural Development Department 10.56 crore, Agriculture Department 2.01 crore, Horticulture Department 1.33 crore, Panchayati Raj Department 1.20 crore, Revenue Department 1.20 crore, Environment Department 1.20 crore.
