Uttar Pradesh planted over 242 crore saplings since 2017, boosting forest cover and aiming for 15% green cover by 2030.

Uttar Pradesh has planted over 242 crore saplings since 2017, increasing forest cover by 559.19 sq km, with a record 37.21 crore planted in one day in July 2025 and 251,446 in an hour in Varanasi in March 2026. The state is preparing a 2026 monsoon drive targeting 35 crore saplings, backed by ₹800 crore for social forestry and other allocations. Initiatives like 'Green Chaupal' and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' engage communities and honor children with 'Green Gold Certificates.' The government aims for 15% green cover by 2030, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading efforts.