Mirzapur to host UP’s first ‘Eklavya Van’ under Yogi govt’s Special Forest Plan

Lucknow : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is set to embark on the establishment of special forests, beginning with the ‘Eklavya Van’ in Mirzapur on July 18. This initiative follows the state’s record-setting plantation drive on July 9, where over 37.21 crore saplings were planted in a single day.

The Forest Department has finalized the schedule for state-level events related to this ambitious afforestation program, which will continue throughout the monsoon season. Different forest divisions across the state have been tasked with organizing key events and developing distinct thematic forests at the state level.

CM Yogi has directed that all such state-level events be celebrated as grand festivals to inspire public participation and environmental consciousness.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunil Chaudhary said that, under CM Yogi Adityanath’s direction, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ plantation drive will be celebrated like a festival. Special forests will be developed across all divisions, with key events at the state level. Divisions will organize local programs, while zonal or divisional chief conservators will serve as nodal officers for state-level events.

As in previous years, the Yogi government remains committed to developing special gardens. For the 2025 monsoon season, the Forest Department is fully prepared to promote and protect themed plantations. This year’s plan includes Shakti Van, Eklavya Van, Oxy Van, Triveni Van, Atal Van, Gopal Van, Ekta Van, along with unique initiatives like Pavitra Dhara Plantation, Bhai-Behan Plantation, Shaurya Van, and ‘Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam’.

Additionally, special focus is being given to moringa (drumstick) plantations and collaborative drives with industrial units.

Schedule of special forest establishment programs in UP as per the Forest Department’s plan

Special Forest Proposed Date State-Level Venue
Eklavya Van July 18 Mirzapur
Oxy Van July 19 Bareilly
Shakti Van July 21 Lucknow
Triveni Van July 23 Prayagraj
Atal Van July 25 Agra
Sahjan Bhandara July 26 All Forest Divisions
Gopal Van July 27 Mathura
Ekta Van July 31 Meerut
Pavitra Dhara Plantation August 4 All Forest Divisions
Plantation by Industrial Units & Pledge Seminar August 6 Kanpur
August 7 Bareilly
August 8 Meerut
Bhai-Behan Plantation
(Raksha Bandhan Vatika) August 9 All Forest Divisions
Shaurya/Sindoor Van August 15 Lucknow
Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam
Plantation September 5 All Forest Divisions