Context:
Uttar Pradesh is set to begin its ambitious green initiative ‘Plantation 2025’ on July 1, coinciding with the start of the nationwide Van Mahotsav week.
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- Theme: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’,
- The campaign aims to plant 35 crore saplings across the state through widespread public participation.
- The state-level launch event will be held at Kukrail in Lucknow, where a Triveni Van, a grove of three sacred tree species—will be developed.
- The government will gift saplings to parents of babies born in government hospitals between July 1 and 7 in a heartfelt gesture linking new life with nature.
- These families will also receive a ‘Green Gold’ certificate, symbolising their contribution to a greener future.
- As part of the campaign, every district will develop themed gardens to honour iconic national figures:
- Atal Van in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Ekta Van to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Eklavya Van in tribute to tribal hero Birsa Munda
- To enhance urban greenery, Oxy Vans will be established in all municipal corporations and nagar palikas, serving as vital “green lungs” for cities.
- On August 15, Shaurya Vans will be created in every district to honour the valour of India’s defence forces, with a focus on developing these in the villages of martyrs.
- Further strengthening the ecological mission:
- Gopal Vans will be set up in every gaushala (cow shelter)
- Triveni Vans will be planted along rivers in each district, marking the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh
- Pavitra Dhara Vriksharopan will be carried out to restore the natural flow and ecological health of riverbanks
- Another key feature, Sahjan Bhandara, will see beneficiaries of the PM and CM Awas Yojana receiving two sahjan (moringa) saplings each, promoting nutrition and sustainability at the grassroots level.
- Plantation 2025 aims to transform Uttar Pradesh into a model of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility with an inclusive approach rooted in culture, community, and conservation.