35 Crore Saplings In One Day: CM Yogi Announces UP's Biggest Tree Plantation Drive On July 12

Published 7 July 2026 · politics

35 Crore Saplings In One Day: CM Yogi Announces UP's Biggest Tree Plantation Drive On July 12 Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 05:11

35 Crore Saplings In One Day: CM Yogi Announces UP's Biggest Tree Plantation Drive On July 12 Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 05:11 IST The state government has set a target of increasing Uttar Pradesh's green cover to 15 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2047. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (Image Courtesy: X) Uttar Pradesh will launch a mega tree plantation drive on July 12, with a target of planting 35 crore saplings in a single day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday. Reviewing preparations for the Vriksharopan Mahabhiyan 2026 through video conferencing, Yogi said the plantation campaign should become a public movement focused on environmental protection, water security and climate balance. “Tree plantation is not merely a government campaign, but a broad public movement for nature conservation and a secure future for coming generations," the Chief Minister said. He said the success of the campaign would not only depend on the number of saplings planted but also on their protection until they grow into trees.

UP Targets Higher Green Cover By 2030, 2047 Yogi directed all departments to ensure proper preparation, including verification of plantation sites, availability of saplings, selection of suitable tree species, irrigation arrangements, geo-tagging and regular monitoring. He also instructed officials to submit progress reports every hour during the plantation drive. The state government has set a target of increasing Uttar Pradesh’s green cover to 15 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2047. As part of this plan, the state aims to plant 35 crore saplings every year for the next five years. According to the government, Uttar Pradesh has seen a rise in forest and tree cover in recent years. Between 2017 and 2023, the state recorded an increase of nearly 3.38 lakh acres in forest and tree cover. The forest and tree cover reportedly increased from 9.18 per cent in 2017 to 9.96 per cent. The state also said that 242 crore saplings were planted between 2017 and 2025, compared to 51.48 crore between 2009 and 2016.

Focus On Public Participation And Biodiversity The Chief Minister called for the involvement of citizens, students, farmers, public representatives, voluntary organisations and government departments in the plantation campaign. He asked officials to ensure participation from institutions including the Railways, Ministry of Defence, courts, government employees and farmer organisations. Yogi also stressed planting a mix of fruit-bearing, medicinal, shade-giving and timber trees to improve biodiversity. The meeting also discussed initiatives such as Mission Chhaya, Samriddhi Van, City Van and Aushadhi Van. Under Mission Chhaya, shade-giving trees will be planted along roads and public places to help reduce the impact of heat waves. The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh should emerge as a model for green development by linking environmental conservation with public participation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.