After record plantation, UP begins setting up spl forests

Lucknow: After the recent record-breaking plantation drive on July 9 in which 37.21 crore saplings were planted in a single day, the state govt is now set to establish special forests across the state, beginning with ‘ Eklavya Van ' in Pilibhit on July 18.

The forest department has finalised the schedule for state-level events related to this afforestation programme, which will continue throughout the monsoon season. Different forest divisions have been assigned the task of organising key events and developing distinct thematic forests at the state level.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that these events should be celebrated as grand festivals to inspire public participation and environmental consciousness.

Principal chief conservator of forests Sunil Chaudhary announced that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' plantation drive will be celebrated like a festival. Special forests will be developed across all divisions, with zonal or divisional chief conservators serving as nodal officers for state-level events.

"The Yogi govt remains committed to developing special gardens, including Shakti Van, Eklavya Van, Oxy Van, Triveni Van, Atal Van, Gopal Van, Ekta Van, Pavitra Dhara Plantation, Bhai-Behan Plantation, Shaurya Van, and ‘Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam'. Attention will also be given to moringa (drumstick) plantation and collaborative drives with industrial units," an official said.