Uttar Pradesh in Guinness Book record for plantation drive

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the state government's green drive under which 10 lakh saplings were planted in one day within a span of eight hours.

The certificate for UP's record-setting performance was awarded to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the function in Saifai last evening.

"UP receives the Guinness Book of World record for maximum number of trees planted in a single day", Akhilesh tweeted this morning highlighting the state government's achievement along with his photo while receiving the certificate.

On November 7, under the state government's 'Clean UP, Green UP' initiative, over 10 lakh saplings were planted at 10 locations in the state in eight hours.

Akhilesh himself planted a 'peepal' plant at Maudaha dam in Hamipur district as part of the drive.

A government spokesman said, as part of the campaign, the programme was executed through coordinated efforts of forest, irrigation departments, Noida and Greater Noida authority.

"Between 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, more than 10.15 lakh plants were either planted or distributed for the area of 850 hectare," he said.

The spokesman said plants such as sheesham, kanji, pakar, neem, arjun, aonla, chilbil, imli, bargad and peepal were being planted by women, teachers, students, armymen, villagers and others, at pre-decided spots.

Arrangement of barb-fencing and trench have also been made, whereas irrigation has been ensured through boring and canals, he added.

"The plantation was being done by creating a grid for which nodal officers have been appointed. To ensure survival of plants, arrangement of internal departmental audit has been made," the official said.