UP To Mark Raksha Bandhan With Tree Plantation Drive Under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'

Lucknow, August 27 - Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's forest cover expansion plan in Uttar Pradesh is making progress. The Forest Department is spearheading a tree plantation drive on Raksha Bandhan, aimed at reinforcing the sibling bond while promoting environmental protection. Brothers and sisters are set to plant saplings on August 28, as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, pledging to safeguard the saplings until they mature into trees.

The initiative extends beyond Lucknow to all forest divisions in the state, aligning with the government's vision for increased green cover under CM Yogi's leadership. Planting trees is crucial for maintaining a clean environment. Following the plantation, sacred Rakhi threads will be tied around the saplings, symbolizing the promise to protect them.

Social and cultural organizations will also join the effort. According to the Forest Department, participants will not only plant trees but also vow to protect them from growing into full-grown trees. Trees offer shade and produce oxygen, and the Yogi government is working towards social harmony, rural economic growth, environmental conservation, and ecological balance.

Special Forests are being established under the Chief Minister's direction, with the goal of launching new Special Forests. On July 12, more than 35.27 crore saplings were planted in a day, a record set during the launch of the Podhropan Mahayagya-2026 campaign. CM Yogi Adityanath began the campaign by planting saplings in two locations in Gorakhpur, and it will continue until Teachers' Day on September 5. Tree plantation will be a part of the campaign on Raksha Bandhan as well.