Lucknow: July 1 will mark the start of the week-long tree Van Mahotsav in the country. In UP, Plantation 2025 will kick off with the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings across the state through a massive people’s participation drive.A programme is scheduled to create a Triveni Van at Kukrail in Lucknow. The event will be inaugurated by forest minister Arun Kumar Saxena. This year’s drive has exciting highlights, including the state govt’s initiative to give saplings to parents of babies born between July 1 and 7 in govt hospitals. The newborns’ parents will also receive a ‘Green Gold’ certificate. Another key feature will be the creation of themed gardens in every district, honoring great personalities. These include: Atal Van — dedicated to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ekta Van — marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and Eklavya Van — honouring revolutionary tribal icon Birsa Munda.Besides, Oxy Van will be raised as “green lungs” in every municipal corporation and nagar palika. Shaurya Van will be created in every district on Aug 15 to honour the valour of the defence forces, preferably in the villages of martyrs. Gopal Van will be developed in every gaushala (cow shelter).Triveni Van will be planted along rivers flowing through every district to mark the successful organisation of Maha Kumbh. Pavitra Dhara Vriksharopanwill be done along rivers to restore their ecological flow and banks. Sahjan bhandara will be another significant feature of Plantation 2025, under which beneficiaries of PM and CM Awas Yojana, will each be given two sahjan saplings.
