More than 3 lakh saplings planted

LUCKNOW: The state forest department started the plantation drive on Thursday. Minister of state for zoological gardens Shiv Pratap Yadav urged people to plant at least seven trees in the vicinity of their homes and at vacant spaces. More than 9.5 lakh trees in 243 green belts will be planted in the state this time. State protocol minister Abhishek Mishra was also present on the occasion.

UP has 7.6% of the country's geographical area and 16.17% of the country's population. The biotic pressure on the forest is increasing. There is a need for massive plantation in the state to create an ecological balance.

On Thursday, more than 3.5 lakh trees were planted at 80 identified sites to celebrate Van Mahotsav. During monsoon, the state will be made greener by 3.99 crore trees. The forest department will plant over 45,000 hectare area. The other departments will plant about 1.7 crore trees over 16,450 hectare.

Meanwhile, in the green belt along Sharda canal, 2,075 trees of different species like Pakad, Peepal, Maulshree, Kadamb and Goldmohur will be planted in the season. Van Mahotsav is celebrated to give the plantation drive a people-connect. The effort is aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life to plant a tree for the betterment of environment.