Min: Identify plantation sites in urban areas

Lucknow: Minister of urban development and energy AK Sharma has directed officials to identify locations in all 762 urban bodies of the state for the upcoming plantation drive on July 9.

The urban development department has got a target to plant 35 lakh saplings.

"Plantations should be done in Kanha Gaushala complexes, cleaned garbage sites, vacant roadside areas, public buildings, religious, mythological, and historical sites, and at urban intersections and gateways to beautify these areas and increase green cover. Fruit-bearing and flowering plants should be planted to create Miyawaki forests, gardens, Nakshatra gardens and Panchvati in cities," he said.

The minister on Friday reviewed preparations for Plantation 2025 through video conferencing with the minister of state for environment, forest and climate change (independent charge), Arun Kumar Saxena and gave necessary instructions.

He said to make the state's urban bodies world-class, cities need to be greener to improve air quality, health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Under the National Clean Air Programme, the target is to reduce PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels by 40% by 2026, taking 2019 as the base year. The increasing urbanisation in the state presents challenges in providing better facilities to citizens, but with better strategies and timely implementation of plans, these challenges can be addressed," he said.

Sharma asked officials to pay special attention to the maintenance of plants.

He asked for a sapling to be planted in the name of "mother" and for plants to be given as offerings in temples to encourage people to care for these plants throughout their lives. He also instructed electricity department officials to plant trees in vacant spaces within electrical complexes to increase greenery.

The state govt aims to plant 37 crore saplings on July 9. The forest department is providing plants in accordance with the targets assigned to the respective departments, which will be responsible for the maintenance of the planted saplings.

"The greener the state, the more conducive the environment will be for life, leading to better health for the residents and a clean environment for future generations, helping achieve the state's one trillion-dollar economy goal with ease," said Sharma.