'Greenwave': More than 37 crore saplings planted in Uttar Pradesh, 52 crore set as plantation target

By 6 PM on Wednesday, more than 37 crore saplings had been planted in Uttar Pradesh: a task which the state's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described as dedicated to protecting the future.

The CM himself planted saplings of neem, peepal and banyan in Ayodhya, at an orchard named Triveni, adding that “only one who served his mother was a worthy son”, and that “nature was the biggest mother”.

The CM also touched on the climate crisis, citing the example of Texas where more than 100 died, while 160 are still missing. He added that planning and technology had to come together to protect the environment.

This year’s plantation target for the state is 52 crore, with July 9 being the day chosen for the greatest number of plantations.

CM Adityanath claimed that his government's sustained efforts had increased the green cover of the state by over 10 times. Over eight years, 204 crore saplings had been planted in the state, he claimed, which was verified by third parties, who explained that the green cover of the state had increased by five lakh acres.

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"We are moving from heatwaves to a greenwave", the CM said.

Farmers in the state who had planted saplings five years ago and got them registered have been linked to international institutions through the state's forest department.

This has enabled them to earn carbon credit at the rate of $6 (₹514) per tree. This money will be made available to them over the next five years too. So far, more than 25,000 farmers in the state have benefited, with many more will to receive these credits. This ensures that saplings are not just planted: they are looked after for at least five years, till they attain decent growth.

The CM explained that Ayodhya was attaining the glory it had in the Treta-yug. “If the people of Ayodhya take one step for their city, the state government takes 100 steps for them,” he said.  

India