Lucknow, Jun 30(Agency) The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday set a target to plant 25 crore saplings in a day and 30 crore saplings in a week in a mega plantation drive beginning from July 1 under ‘Mission Vriksharopan 2021’ and the ‘Van Mahotsav’ campaign. To fulfill the aim of planting as many as 30 crore saplings in the fixed span of the first week of July, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives to the State Forest Department and other concerned authorities to expedite the action plan while working in coordination to ensure that the target is met. Besides, the state government has also set a target of planting trees essential for nature, environment, humans and for the society. While holding a review meeting with concerned departments regarding the preparations for the plantation drive here on Wednesday, the CM said that the saplings would be planted keeping in mind the adaptability to the ‘agro-climatic zone’.
He said the plantation drive would include saplings of trees that are fruit-bearing, that provide shade, timber, as well as are rich in medicinal properties like Banyan, Peepal, Pakar, Neem, Mango, Jamun, Drumstick, Teak and Tamarind among others. Special instructions have been issued to strictly adhere to Covid-19-appropriate behaviour and to ensure 100 percent usage of double masks, sanitisers, frequent hand washing and social distancing measures while planting the saplings. In an effort to save and preserve the century-old trees, the state government has also instructed to identify trees of more than 100 years of age as ‘Heritage Trees’ and that they should be protected in order to preserve their ecological value, cultural and historical significance. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has asked to rope in concerned citizens, non-governmental organisations (NGO), voluntary organizations, and public representatives to spread awareness about the mass plantation drive.