Lucknow: In a significant step to increase greenery in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated a large-scale plantation drive along the state’s expressways. As part of this effort, more than 200,000 saplings will be planted along four major expressways.
Additionally, 100,000 saplings will be planted in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is spearheading this initiative. The Yogi government is also preparing for extensive tree planting along the banks of the under-construction Ganga Expressway.
This year, continuing the tradition of past years, more than 36 crore saplings will be planted under the ‘Ped Lagao, Ped Bachao Abhiyan’ (Plant Trees, Save Trees Campaign). This ambitious project reflects the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation and enhancing the state’s green cover.
According to UPEIDA officials, a budget of over Rs 36 crore is being provided to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department for planting trees on 500 hectares on both sides between the carriageway and service road of the Ganga Expressway, and for their maintenance over the next 10 years.
Additionally, as part of the ‘Ped Lagao, Ped Bachao Abhiyan 2024’, more than 237,000 plants will be planted on four other expressways managed by UPEIDA. This includes 15,000 plants on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, 106,000 on the Purvanchal Expressway, 25,000 on the Bundelkhand Expressway, and 91,600 on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway.
Furthermore, 100,000 plants will be planted in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor. These will include 66,700 saplings of peepal, pakad, banyan, gular, and neem trees, along with a large number of fruit-bearing trees.
Protection of Ganga Dolphins and Revival of Mala River in Pilibhit
Under the Ganga Expressway Project, UPEIDA is providing over Rs 16 crore to the Forest Department for the Ganga River Dolphin Conservation Plan. Additionally, UPEIDA is giving Rs 5 crore to the Forest Department for the revival of the Mala River and the conservation of biodiversity in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
Target to plant 36.46 crore saplings this year
On the instructions of CM Yogi, Uttar Pradesh will celebrate the ‘Ped Lagao-Ped Bachao Jan Abhiyan-2024’ on July 20 as a grand festival. The Yogi government, with its ‘Sabka Saath and Sabka Prayas’ (collective efforts) motto, has set a goal to plant 36.46 crore saplings this year.
The Forest Department is preparing to plant and protect 36.50 crore saplings to achieve this target. The aim is to increase the state’s green cover from 9 per cent to 15 per cent by 2026-27.