UP To Plant 20 Million Saplings Along Roads
Uttar Pradesh to undertake large-scale plantation, planting over 20 million saplings along roads. Mission Chhaya aims to provide shade and greenery across the state.
In a massive effort to increase green cover, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to plant over 20 million saplings along roads across the state. The initiative, dubbed Mission Chhaya, is being undertaken on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Forest Department will serve as the nodal agency for the project, with support from other departments such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Urban Development, and Public Works. The plantation drive will cover 11,325 hectares at 2,336 sites along roadsides, with a focus on planting shade-giving trees such as Peepal, Banyan, and Neem.
Priority species for the plantation drive include Peepal, Banyan, Pakad, Gular, Neem, Shisham, Jamun, Mahua, Mango, Mahogany, Arjun, Chilbil, Gulmohar, Jacaranda, Kachnar, and Amaltas. The Forest Department will also plant 550,000 saplings across 500 hectares along both sides of the 594-km Ganga Expressway.
To ensure the survival of the saplings, wire fencing will be installed for protection, and drip irrigation will be provided. The plantation drive will also cover other key routes, including the Delhi-Lucknow Route, Purvanchal Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway, and Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.
According to Aditi Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Publicity & Outreach), the mission aims to plant shade-giving and fruit-bearing trees along roads across the state. The collaboration between the Forest Department and other departments will be crucial in achieving this goal.
The Rural Development Department will plant saplings along Gram Sabha land and rural roads, while the Panchayati Raj Department will focus on plantation along Panchayat roads. The Urban Development Department will plant trees along roadsides in urban areas, and the Public Works Department will plant trees with tree guards along highways, district roads, and rural roads.
The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the environment and provide much-needed shade and greenery to the people of Uttar Pradesh. With the state's expressways being a major focus area, the plantation drive is likely to improve the aesthetic appeal of these roads and provide a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has been actively working to increase its green cover and improve its environment. The state has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainable development. Mission Chhaya is the latest in a series of efforts to make the state a cleaner and greener place.
The success of the mission will depend on the effective collaboration between the Forest Department and other departments, as well as the support of the local community. With the right approach and resources, the mission has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment and improve the quality of life for the people of Uttar Pradesh.
In conclusion, the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to plant over 20 million saplings along roads is a significant step towards improving the state's environment and providing greenery to its citizens. The mission is a testament to the government's commitment to sustainable development and its efforts to make the state a better place to live.
