‘Mission Chhaya’ to boost roadside shade tree plantation across UP

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh will name its plantation drive for this year ‘Vriksharopan Mahayagya – 2026’ and target the planting of 35 crore trees across the state, with a strong focus on thematic forests, roadside greenery and public participation.Officials said several new thematic forests will be developed as part of the campaign. These include Vandemataram Vatika, Maharishi Charak Aushadhiya Van, Samras Van, Samriddhi Van and Urja Van. The initiative is being positioned as a major highlight of the state’s annual plantation programme.Under ‘Mission Chhaya’, the govt will prioritise planting shade-bearing trees along roadsides across Uttar Pradesh, aiming for complete saturation. Thematic plantation will also be carried out along newly built expressways and other road corridors under the same mission.The push follows a review of the plantation campaign by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday. After the meeting, the forest department held a separate session to communicate the chief minister’s directions to officials.The departments have been instructed to prepare and maintain high-quality saplings suited to local soil and climatic conditions for the planned thematic forests. Training modules and short video films have also been prepared on nursery management, plantation methods and wetland conservation.Govt departments have been directed to identify sufficient land banks and ensure timely mobilisation of manpower for smooth implementation of plantation activities. Instructions have also been issued for extensive publicity on achievements in tree plantation, soil and water conservation, and roadside greening.The campaign will involve 27 govt departments, voluntary organisations and senior citizens, under the slogan ‘Jan Jan ki Bhagidari, Harit Aavran ki Taiyari.’