The Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious target to plant more than 1.85 crore saplings this year under the Vriksharopan Abhiyan-2026. The large-scale plantation drive will be carried out across the four districts of Varanasi division—Varanasi, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, and Chandauli—with active public participation.
District-wise Plantation Targets
Under this campaign, which aims to promote environmental conservation and green development, the highest plantation target has been set for Chandauli district, where over 70 lakh saplings will be planted. Jaunpur district has a target of more than 52 lakh saplings, while Ghazipur will see over 47 lakh saplings. Varanasi district has a target of more than 15.51 lakh saplings.
Campaign Details and Species
According to Ravi Kumar Singh, the forest conservator of Varanasi circle, the campaign will commence in the first week of July. Priority will be given to saplings that contribute to environmental conservation, oxygen availability, and biodiversity strengthening. Large-scale plantation of trees such as Sahjan, Peepal, Pakad, Banyan, Arjun, Jamun, Amla, Guava, Mango, Teak, and Shisham will be carried out.
Beyond Planting: Awareness and Participation
Singh emphasized that the campaign will not be limited to merely planting saplings but will also serve as a medium to promote environmental awareness and social participation. The government believes that tree plantation is not just an administrative responsibility but also a matter of social concern. To ensure plantation and conservation at every level, 28 departments have been included in this campaign.
“This mega campaign proposed under Van Mahotsav is not only an effort to increase the green cover of the state but also an initiative to make people responsible towards nature conservation. With the joint participation of the government and society, this campaign will lay a strong foundation for environmental conservation in the times to come,” said Singh.
