In a landmark step toward environmental restoration and climate resilience, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to plant a staggering 35 crore saplings across the state within a single week between July 1 and July 7, 2025.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of community participation in this massive afforestation drive, aimed at increasing the state’s green cover to 20% by 2030. Speaking at a high-level review meeting, he described environmental conservation as a “collective responsibility” and a crucial pillar of sustainable development.
Nurturing a Greener Tomorrow
To support the campaign’s long-term impact, the government aims to nurture 50 crore saplings in nurseries, ensuring a wide diversity of species. These will include fruit-bearing, shade-giving, medicinal, and timber trees chosen strategically to enhance biodiversity, ecological resilience, and economic utility for communities.
Chief Minister Adityanath directed officials to prepare detailed micro-level action plans to ensure proper implementation, from sapling distribution to post-plantation care. Public institutions, schools, government departments, NGOs, and residents will be actively engaged in the week-long event.
Reviving Rivers, Greening Villages
A notable feature of the campaign is the launch of a dedicated ‘River Rejuvenation Campaign.’ Under this initiative, saplings will be planted along riverbanks and expressways to stabilize soil, protect water bodies, and support ecological restoration. These efforts align with broader goals of conserving critical freshwater ecosystems under stress from pollution and urban encroachment.
Additionally, the government will set up “Green Chaupals” in villages and cities to promote eco-friendly behavior and sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative also mandates the creation of “Gram-Van” (village forests) in every village, reinforcing grassroots-level forest conservation and improving local microclimates.
A Model for Environmental Action
This initiative positions Uttar Pradesh as a national leader in green governance, aligning with India’s commitments under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and global climate action frameworks. The scale and community-driven nature of the project could set a precedent for similar ecological campaigns across the country.
With July approaching, preparations are underway to ensure the success of one of the most ambitious plantation drives in India’s history an effort that could reshape landscapes, revive ecosystems, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship across generations.