In a monumental push towards ecological balance and expanding green cover, Uttar Pradesh has set a massive milestone by launching a campaign to plant 35 crore saplings in a single day. This mega plantation drive is part of the larger 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, which aims to plant a total of 40 crore trees across the state. Out of this grand total, 5 crore saplings had already been successfully planted earlier this year on June 5 to mark World Environment Day.
The Launch of a Green Movement
On the morning of July 12, 2026, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially kicked off the 'Vriksharopan Mahayajna 2026' from the Bhagwanpur Toll Plaza on the Link Expressway located in GIDA, Gorakhpur. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national vision of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name), this massive drive seeks to mobilise the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. By personally planting a sapling, Chief Minister Yogi initiated the day-long campaign, symbolizing a collective commitment to nature.
The Creation of Specialized Ecological Forests
The ritualistic launch of the plantation drive began at 8:00 AM, with the Chief Minister planting a sacred Triveni sapling amidst traditional chanting. This year's campaign goes beyond merely planting scattered trees; it focuses on establishing dedicated, specialized forests and gardens designed for specific ecological purposes. Under Chief Minister Yogi's guidance, various themed forests are being developed across Uttar Pradesh. These include 'Mission Chhaya' for dense shade, 'Vande Mataram Vatika', 'Maharshi Charak Aushadhiya Van' for medicinal plants, 'Samras Van', 'Samriddhi Van', 'Kapi Van' (Monkey Forest), and 'Urja Van' (Energy Forest). These forests will feature a mix of local medicinal, fruit-bearing, and shade-providing trees. The creation of 'Kapi Van', for instance, is a strategic move to provide natural food sources for monkeys, preventing them from entering urban settlements and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Healing Mother Earth and Tracking Progress
Addressing a large public gathering at the venue, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the initiative as a sacred duty to heal the planet. He emphasized that the earth provides humanity with shelter, food, and water, yet people rarely show concern for its well-being. 'We worry about our personal health and consult doctors when we fall ill, but we seldom think about the health of Mother Earth,' Yogi said. He noted that PM Narendra Modi's slogan 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' acts as a reminder of this fundamental duty. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's long-term environmental commitment, the Chief Minister shared that more than 242 crore saplings have been planted across the state since 2017. This massive scale of afforestation has played a crucial role in purifying the air by absorbing millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Financial Rewards and Global Carbon Credits for Farmers
The event also highlighted the economic benefits of environmental conservation. A short film showcasing the nine-year journey and achievements of the state's forest department was screened, alongside the release of the 'Forestry Calendar' for the year 2026-27. In a significant move to empower local agrarian communities, Chief Minister Yogi honored farmers and beneficiaries who have made substantial contributions by planting between 600 and 800 saplings. These individuals were awarded carbon credit certificates. The Chief Minister explained that farmers who plant trees along the boundaries of their agricultural fields and care for them for a minimum of five years are being linked to international organizations. This connection allows them to receive direct financial incentives in US dollars, turning environmental stewardship into a profitable venture.
Political Support and Escalating Green Cover Rankings
Several prominent leaders attended the grand ceremony, including Forest and Environment Minister (Independent Charge) Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Cabinet Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad, and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan. Speaking on the occasion, MP Ravi Kishan praised the state administration's progress in GIDA, remarking that while previous regimes spent their time searching for graveyard land in the area, the current government has brought massive investments, jobs, and environmental rejuvenation. Environment Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena announced that Uttar Pradesh has now climbed to the second position nationwide in terms of increasing its green cover. He encouraged young citizens and farmers to participate actively by planting fruit and shade trees along roadsides, field boundaries, and in their backyards in honor of their mothers.
