Uttar Pradesh is poised to achieve a significant environmental milestone as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a target to plant over 35 crore saplings in a single day under the Mega Plantation Campaign-2026. Reviewing preparations on Sunday, the CM stressed that tree plantation must evolve into a sustained public movement rather than remain a symbolic exercise.
Calling for widespread participation, he urged every student to plant at least one sapling and directed each Anganwadi centre to plant five drumstick (Moringa) saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He also prioritized large-scale plantation along both sides of the Ganga Expressway and along riverbanks, with 4.35 crore saplings planned for riparian zones.
Emphasizing quality and survival, the CM directed scientific planning, free supply of quality saplings, and tech-based monitoring through apps, GIS mapping and QR tracking. With an 80% survival rate recorded in 2025, the focus has now shifted to ensuring long-term sustainability of plantations.
The initiative aims to harness technology for effective monitoring, ensuring that each sapling is tracked and nurtured. The CM’s call for a public movement underscores the need for collective action to combat environmental challenges. This ambitious campaign is expected to set a new benchmark for large-scale afforestation efforts in the country.
