12 Sep 2025
Introduction: Green Tribute to Leadership
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the state of Uttar Pradesh has announced an ambitious initiative to plant 15 lakh (1.5 million) saplings across degraded forest areas and riverbanks. Organized under the umbrella of Seva Parv—a nationwide campaign promoting service-oriented activities—this drive symbolizes both environmental responsibility and socio-political celebration. With the planting campaign scheduled between September 17 and October 2, it aims to fuse ecological sustainability with civic engagement.
The Vision Behind the Initiative
The initiative is not simply a ceremonial plantation exercise. By focusing on degraded forest land and riversides, the state government hopes to tackle two critical issues simultaneously: deforestation and river pollution. According to Forest Minister A.K. Saxena, the campaign will support the River Rejuvenation Project No. 13, a flagship mission to restore the health of major rivers in Uttar Pradesh.
“Native species will be prioritized to ensure long-term survival and ecological balance. We want to make sure these trees not only grow but also improve the surrounding biodiversity,” Saxena emphasized.
Key Components of the Plantation Drive
- Degraded Forest Land: 10 lakh saplings will be planted in areas suffering from soil erosion, illegal encroachment, or excessive logging.
- Riverbanks: 5 lakh saplings will be strategically placed along rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Gomti to prevent soil erosion, improve water retention, and purify groundwater recharge zones.
- Urban Forests: 34 Nagar Vans across UP will each plant 100 saplings, introducing green lungs to congested urban areas.
- Geo-Tagging: Using the MeriLIFE portal, each plantation site will be digitally mapped to ensure transparency and long-term monitoring.
Historical Context of Green Campaigns in UP
This is not the first time Uttar Pradesh has embarked on a mass tree plantation initiative. In 2016, the state set a world record by planting 5 crore saplings in 24 hours. Subsequent drives in 2017 and 2019 further showcased the state’s commitment to large-scale greening. However, critics often pointed out that survival rates of the saplings were not always transparent.
By incorporating geo-tagging and satellite monitoring this time, the government seeks to bridge the accountability gap. The introduction of MeriLIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) portal, aligned with India’s commitment at COP26, is a step towards institutionalizing long-term ecological monitoring.
Ecological Importance of Native Species
Planting trees is not enough—planting the right trees is what truly matters. Native species such as neem, peepal, banyan, jamun, and arjun are expected to dominate this drive. These trees are well adapted to local soil and climate, require minimal external care, and support native bird, insect, and mammal populations.
For instance:
- Neem acts as a natural pesticide and purifier.
- Peepal contributes to oxygen release and cultural heritage.
- Jamun enhances groundwater recharge.
- Arjun helps stabilize riverbanks with strong roots.
This selection reflects a shift away from exotic, fast-growing but ecologically unfit species often used in earlier drives.
Climate Action & River Rejuvenation
The plantation effort ties directly into the broader climate change agenda. Trees sequester carbon, regulate micro-climates, and reduce heat islands—issues particularly acute in UP’s dense urban zones. Along riverbanks, trees play an even more critical role: reducing siltation, slowing surface runoff, and filtering pollutants before they enter rivers.
The campaign coincides with River Rejuvenation Project No. 13, which envisions a comprehensive ecological revival. Planting 5 lakh saplings along rivers is expected to aid in groundwater recharge and reduce flood intensity during monsoon seasons.
Community Participation & Symbolism
The government has emphasized community engagement as central to the initiative. Schools, colleges, NGOs, self-help groups, and resident welfare associations are being mobilized. Each sapling is meant to be a symbol of service in line with the Seva Parv theme.
According to an official statement, “Planting a sapling is not just an act of greenery—it is a promise for future generations.”
Symbolically, the timing of the drive on the Prime Minister’s birthday connects environmental stewardship with political leadership. Critics see this as political branding, but supporters argue that it helps rally mass participation by linking a popular leader’s birthday with a noble cause.
Socio-Economic Impacts
Beyond ecology, the plantation drive has potential socio-economic benefits:
- Employment: Local nursery workers, forest guards, and community volunteers are engaged in planting and maintenance.
- Livelihoods: Fruit-bearing trees like jamun and amla can supplement local incomes over time.
- Public Health: Increased green cover reduces air pollution and improves urban livability.
- Tourism: Riverbank afforestation could create eco-tourism hubs in the future.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, mass plantation campaigns face recurring challenges:
- Survival Rates: Past drives have shown survival rates as low as 30–40% due to lack of maintenance.
- Monitoring: Even with geo-tagging, local-level corruption or negligence could affect outcomes.
- Urban Constraints: Space limitations in congested cities may limit the scale of urban forests.
- Water Scarcity: In arid areas, newly planted saplings may struggle without irrigation support.
Addressing these concerns requires not just planting but consistent care over at least 3–5 years until saplings mature.
Broader Context: India’s Green Goals
India has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, with intermediate targets of creating carbon sinks by 2030. Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state, plays a crucial role in this roadmap. By launching campaigns like this, the state contributes both to local resilience and national commitments.
Voices from the Ground
- Environmentalists: Experts like Dr. Sunita Narain (CSE) have often emphasized that afforestation, if done with native species and proper monitoring, can be a real climate solution.
- Local Farmers: Some farmers near riverbanks have welcomed the move, seeing it as protection for their fields from erosion.
- Critics: Opposition leaders question whether the drive is more about optics than long-term impact.
Closing Thoughts
The plantation drive under Seva Parv reflects both symbolism and substance. If executed and maintained properly, it could become a model for other states, showcasing how mass public participation, technology-driven monitoring, and ecological sensitivity can merge into a sustainable climate action strategy.
As Uttar Pradesh gears up to plant 15 lakh saplings, the true success will not be measured in numbers planted today but in trees that survive and thrive for decades to come.
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