Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

Tree Plantation Campaign By UP Government 2023.

 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath initiated a grand endeavor to plant 5 crore saplings under the Tree Plantation Campaign-2023. Speaking at the inauguration near Gomti bank, he emphasized that safeguarding nature is the key to securing humanity from calamities. CM Yogi articulated that these trees would serve as bridges connecting people to both nature and spirituality. The significance of the sacred trees—Peepal, Pakad, and Banyan—was highlighted, termed as Harishankari by Indian saints.

CM Yogi underscored the repercussions of tampering with nature, pointing to recent disasters like heavy rains causing loss of life and property. He invoked Prime Minister Modi’s call for resolutions during the ‘Kranti Diwas/Quit India Movement’, linking it to the current efforts to save the environment. Amrit Stambh, a monument with symbolic numerology, was introduced, marking the region’s commitment to environmental preservation.

 

The eight aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh recorded 99 percent to 100 percent plantations as part of the Yogi government’s massive ‘Tree Plantation Campaign-2023′ with overwhelming participation of the people, including the common masses and government employees, in the drive. Sonbhadra has, however, topped the list of aspirational districts, with the highest number of 1.24 crore saplings planted in the district.

It is worth mentioning here that more than 1,24,81,000 (1.24 crore) saplings were planted in the eight aspirational districts of UP on the first day of the campaign recently, against 30.21 crore saplings in the entire state. The plantations are significant amid reports of rising green cover in Uttar Pradesh as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and CM Yogi’s ongoing green mission.

 

Balrampur had the least plantation among aspirational districts with 28,91,795 saplings, yet the district achieved 100 percent of the target. Balrampur, Sonbhadra, Bahraich, Shravasti and Chitrakoot recorded 100 percent plantations whereas Chandauli, Fatehpur and Siddharthnagar achieved more than 99 percent of the plantations target. All the aspirational districts are determined to speed up the plantation drive again on the upcoming 15th of August (Independence Day).

CM Yogi had earlier on June 16 launched over 217 projects worth Rs 414 crore in Sonbhadra to accelerate the pace of development in the district.

Aspirational District Plantations

1. Sonbhadra 12481413
2. Bahraich 6820913
3. Chitrakoot 6256230
4. Chandauli 5260818
5. Fatehpur 4098195
6. Shravasti 3577788
7. Siddharthnagar 3465764
8. Balrampur 2891795

Yogi govt scripts history with more than 30 crore saplings planted in a single day in UP

 

After the record plantation of the first day of the Tree Plantation Campaign 2023, CM Yogi described it as a ‘Plantation Festival in the new Uttar Pradesh of New India’, and said that Uttar Pradesh has expressed its gratitude towards nature by planting more than 30 crore saplings on a single day. Notably, a target of 30 crore saplings had been set by the Yogi government.

 

Uttar Pradesh created history on Saturday with a total of 30,21,51,570 (over 30 crore) saplings planted across the state till 5 pm, exceeding the target of 30 crore saplings, on the occasion of the launch of a massive plantation drive by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

CM Yogi inaugurated the campaign by planting saplings on the banks of Ganga in Bijnor and Muzaffarnagar while the ministers of the state government also planted saplings in different districts. It is worth mentioning here that in view the threat of increasing desertification worldwide, environmental degradation and damage to biodiversity, Yogi Adityanath has been holding plantation campaigns regularly for the last six years.

After the record plantation of the first day of the Tree Plantation Campaign 2023, CM Yogi described it as a ‘Plantation Festival in the new Uttar Pradesh of New India’, and said that Uttar Pradesh has expressed its gratitude towards nature by planting more than 30 crore saplings on a single day. Notably, a target of 30 crore saplings had been set by the Yogi government.

“By imbibing the spirit of ‘Mata Bhoomi: Putro’ham Prithivya’, people in all the 18 divisions and 75 districts participated in this pious work with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Today’s effort will be helpful in providing a ‘Clean-Prosperous-Green’ environment to the coming generations. Hearty congratulations and greetings to all the people’s representatives, voluntary organizations, social organizations and the people of the state including the administration for this commendable contribution”, CM remarked.

Prominent among the ministers who planted saplings in different districts included: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya (Prayagraj and Kaushambi), Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak (Rae Bareli and Barabanki, Cabinet Minister Swatantra Dev Singh and Forest-Environment Minister Arun Saxena (Bijnor and Muzaffarnagar), Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi (Ayodhya and Amethi), Finance Minister Suresh Khanna (Lucknow and Gorakhpur), Cabinet Minister Baby Rani Maurya (Jhansi and Jalaun), and Minister of State for Forest-Environment KP Malik (Saharanpur). Governor Anandi Ben Patel also planted saplings in Chhata Mathura.

The plantations took place on forest land, defense and railway land, gram panchayat, and community land as well as along expressways, roads, canals, and railway tracks under the campaign. Saplings were also planted on a large scale on lands of development authorities, industrial complexes, medical and educational institutes, other government land, private land of farmers, and private premises of citizens. In order to ensure transparency in the campaign, the Yogi government has developed the Android-based Haritima Amrit Van mobile app version 3.1. The Chief Minister has given a clear instruction that like the previous governments, the plantation campaign should not be limited on paper, and effective monitoring of plantations taking place should be ensured. This year a complete arrangement has been made for the geo-tagging of plants. Along with this, the Forest Department has also made full use of technology.

 

What is the significance of the Tree Plantation Campaign-2023 in Uttar Pradesh?

The campaign aims to plant 5 crore saplings, reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. It symbolizes the connection between nature and human well-being.

How does Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath connect spirituality and tree planting?

CM Yogi highlights that trees bridge the gap between people and nature while connecting individuals spiritually. He refers to sacred trees and their role as conduits for a deeper connection to the divine.

What impact do recent natural disasters have on CM Yogi’s message?

Recent calamities, like heavy rains causing destruction, emphasize the need for ecological responsibility. CM Yogi underlines that tampering with nature leads to adverse consequences that affect both life and property.

How does Amrit Stambh symbolize commitment to environmental preservation?

Amrit Stambh, established with numerological significance, represents dedication to the environment. Amrit Stambh was associated with the number 75 in various aspects, whether pertaining to the Amrit Kalash, the pillar’s height, or its different corners. The process of incorporating this number was undertaken for all these elements.

How does CM Yogi relate the campaign to Prime Minister Modi’s call during the ‘Kranti Diwas’?

CM Yogi aligns the campaign’s efforts with PM Modi’s call for resolutions during the ‘Kranti Diwas/Quit India Movement’. This period serves as a reminder for individuals to contribute to environmental conservation.

What is the legacy of Amrit Vatika and Amrit Stambh for future generations?

The campaign and the monument become part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, allowing future generations to understand and appreciate the initiatives taken to conserve the environment and commemorate historical events.

Blog By: Trupti Thakur