Sachin Malik: A high-level review meeting of the Urban Development and Energy Department was held today at Sangam Auditorium, Lucknow, to ensure the Successful achievement of the target of Planting 350 Million (35 crore) saplings by July 12 under the Uttar Pradesh Tree Plantation Mega Campaign 2026. The meeting was Chaired by Uttar Pradesh Minister for Urban Development and Energy A.K. Sharma. Forest, Environment, Zoological Parks and Climate Change Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena was also Present.
Addressing the meeting, Minister A.K. Sharma said that tree Plantation Should not remain merely a Government Programme but must evolve into a People movement. He emphasized that citizens Should be emotionally connected with environmental conservation to ensure widespread Public Participation. He also Stressed that Protecting the Planted saplings is as important as Planting Them.
The Minister suggested developing more Green canopies in urban areas, Where citizens can sit and Relax under the Shade of dense trees. Such Green spaces, he said, would improve the urban environment While Providing Clean and eco-friendly Public Places for Residents.
Sharing an innovative idea, Minister Sharma Proposed that just as devotees receive Prasad at temples, the Environment Department Should Supply Saplings to temples so that every devotee receives a Plant along with the Prasad. People would then take these saplings home with devotion, Plant them and ensure their care, naturally transforming the Plantation drive into a mass Public Movement.
He further recommended installing information boards at major intersections, Parks and other Public Places displaying messages such as “Free Saplings Available Here.” A variety of Saplings Should be made available so that citizens can easily collect them and Plant them in their homes, institutions and Neighbourhoods.
Minister Sharma directed the Environment Department to ensure an adequate supply of fruit-bearing, medicinal, Shade-Giving and other useful Plant species for distribution. This, he said, would encourage Greater Public interest and enthusiasm for tree Plantation.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister Stated that environmental conservation is a responsibility towards future Generations. If Society, the Government, and all departments work together with active Public Participation, Uttar Pradesh will set a new benchmark in becoming a Greener and Cleaner State.
