UP to Plant 3.72 Crore Saplings Along Riverbanks | 24 Jul 2024

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the “Ped Lagao, Ped Bachao Jan Abhiyan-2024” campaign, aiming to plant 3,72,66,000 saplings along riverbanks across the state.

Key Points 

• Riverbanks Covered: 

  • Ganga: 77.5 lakh saplings will be planted on 5,096.42 hectares of land along the Ganga river.

  • Yamuna: 98.47 lakh saplings will be planted at 534 locations along the Yamuna river, covering 6,581.32 hectares.
  • Hindon: Four lakh saplings will beautify the Hindon river on 270.13 hectares.
• Incentive Scheme: In forest divisions along the Ganga, including Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Kashi wildlife, and Ballia, an incentive scheme funded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga is being implemented.
• Tree Varieties: Various trees, including Neem, Drumstick, Tamarind, Arjun, Jamun, Bel, Mango, Mahua, Teak, Sheesham, Guteel, Bamboo, Peepal, Pakkad, and Banyan, will be planted along the riverbanks.
• Medicinal Plants: The initiative also promotes cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants on 2,500 hectares of private land, supported by nurseries.
• This effort not only enhances the state’s green cover but also contributes to environmental conservation.