In a significant step towards enhancing environmental conservation and promoting a sense of national pride and unity, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop a series of thematic and inspirational forests across the state.
Senior officials revealed on Wednesday that this initiative is part of a broader afforestation strategy that includes the creation of specially named forest areas, each with a symbolic and cultural purpose, alongside an unprecedented large-scale tree plantation drive.
Thematic Forests Across the State
These proposed forest areas, to be named Shaurya Van, Atal Van, Eklavya Van, Gopal Van, Ekta Van, and Triveni Van, will serve not only ecological functions but also act as tributes to notable national figures, events, and ideals.
Each forest will be unique in its theme and purpose, tailored to reflect different aspects of India’s cultural, historical, and environmental values.
- Shaurya Van will be established in every district of Uttar Pradesh as a tribute to the nation’s martyrs and freedom fighters. These forests are envisioned to be inspirational spaces where visitors can learn about and pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. In addition to increasing green cover, these spaces will include memorials, plaques, and designated areas for reflection and public engagement.
- Atal Van will honor the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a revered political leader known for his statesmanship and poetic oratory. These forests, also to be developed in each district, will be adorned with trees symbolic of peace and wisdom, reflecting Vajpayee’s vision for a united and progressive India.
- Ekta Van, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the ‘Iron Man of India’, will celebrate the spirit of unity and national integration. These forests will aim to symbolize strength and cohesion through carefully selected plant species and community spaces.
- Eklavya Van will pay tribute to Birsa Munda, the tribal freedom fighter and revered icon of India’s indigenous communities. These forests will be created primarily in tribal-dominated regions of the state and will highlight the importance of preserving tribal heritage, indigenous plant species, and sustainable forestry practices.
- Gopal Van, to be developed near large gaushalas (cow shelters), will focus on planting tree species that provide both shade and fodder, including fast-growing varieties beneficial to cattle welfare. The objective is to support animal husbandry through ecological initiatives that align with local agricultural needs.
- Triveni Van will be located along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, particularly near Prayagraj (Sangam), in connection with the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025. These forests will feature traditional and sacred trees like neem, peepal, and pakkad, which hold religious and environmental significance. Officials mentioned that this initiative is aimed at both beautifying the riverfront and contributing to biodiversity along these crucial waterways.
‘Oxy Van’ – Urban Lungs to Tackle Pollution
In addition to these thematic forests, the government has also announced plans to create ‘Oxy Vans’, or oxygen forests, within urban and municipal areas. These dense green zones will be planted specifically to combat urban air pollution and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Urban Development Department will oversee the establishment and maintenance of these green belts, which are expected to serve as the ‘green lungs’ of cities.
Plantation Mahabhiyan 2025: A Record-Breaking Tree Plantation Drive
As part of its comprehensive afforestation and environmental sustainability efforts, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing for an extraordinary mass plantation campaign titled ‘Plantation Mahabhiyan 2025’. The target is to plant 4.12 crore saplings within a 5-kilometer radius of all major rivers flowing through the state.
The plantation drive is scheduled to take place over a week, from July 1 to July 7, 2025, and will involve active participation from various government departments, local institutions, schools, and community organizations. The overall goal is to plant an astonishing 35 crore saplings statewide, making it one of the largest plantation efforts ever undertaken in India.
To ensure maximum effectiveness and reach, each department has been assigned specific targets and zones. Special emphasis will also be laid on developing green spaces in gram sabhas (village councils), as well as urban areas, where new vatikas (gardens), parks, and community green areas will be created or upgraded.
A Holistic Vision for a Greener, United Uttar Pradesh
The comprehensive afforestation strategy reflects a holistic vision that combines ecological sustainability with cultural reverence and civic inspiration. By linking green initiatives to national heroes and values, the Uttar Pradesh government aims not only to rejuvenate its environment but also to instill a deeper sense of identity, pride, and responsibility among its citizens.
Officials believe that these steps will serve as long-term investments in both biodiversity conservation and social cohesion, helping create an environmentally resilient and culturally enriched future for the state.
