Yogi Adityanath govt to set up ‘Mitra Van’ along UP-Nepal border

LUCKNOW: The Yogi Adityanath govt has announced the launch of ‘Mitra Van’ as part of Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024 along the border of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
For this initiative, at least 35 forest divisions will identify locations for the establishment of 'Mitra Vans’.
Following the directives of CM Yogi Adityanath, the forest department is actively engaging with neighbouring states and Nepal to increase green cover through plantation of 35 crore saplings.
Scheduled to commence on July 20, the Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024 is poised to conduct extensive tree plantation drives in Uttar Pradesh’s bordering districts.
Thorough preparations are underway in all 35 districts bordering neighbouring states.
In specific focus on fostering bilateral ties through environmental initiatives, ‘Mitra Van’ will be established along the borders of districts adjoining Nepal, including Sonauli in Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, Bahraich, and Pilibhit. This effort includes coordination with representatives from Nepal to jointly participate in plantation activities.
Principal chief conservator of forests Sudhir Kumar Sharma has directed the 35 forest divisions to finalize locations for ‘Mitra Van’ and select appropriate plant species for plantation by dignitaries from Nepal and neighbouring states.
LUCKNOW: The initiative includes establishing special forests like ‘Shakti Van’, ‘Yuva Van’, and ‘Bal Van’ in each district participating in Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan. Additional chief conservator of forests PP Singh said that preparations, including nursery sapling production for 35 crore trees, were complete. Divisional forest officers (DFOs) have been instructed to expedite the establishment and enrichment of ‘Mitra Van’.