Uttar Pradesh achieves afforestation target under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
Source:dd-india ↗
Why It Matters
State-specific achievements, especially numerical targets like planting 40 crore saplings, and specific scheme names ('Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026') are highly relevant for UPPSC Prelims. This bridges environmental conservation with state governance initiatives.
Summary
Uttar Pradesh achieved a significant environmental milestone by planting over 40 crore saplings in a single day under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026' campaigns. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the state-wide initiative to expand green cover and promote environmental conservation.
Key Points
- Uttar Pradesh successfully planted over 40 crore saplings in a single day as part of a major afforestation drive.
- The plantation drive was conducted under the national 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and the state's 'Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026' initiative.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the plantation drive in Lucknow, while Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak took part in Rae Bareli.
- The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign was initially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day (June 5).
Important Terms
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
A nationwide afforestation initiative launched on World Environment Day 2024, urging citizens to plant trees honoring their mothers. It blends emotional tributes with ecological restoration to combat climate change and global warming.
UPSC context
Relevant to GS-3 (Environment). Tests knowledge of community-led conservation, national afforestation targets, and climate change mitigation strategies.
Vriksharopan Mahayagya-2026
A massive, state-wide mega-plantation drive in Uttar Pradesh. The 2026 campaign successfully mobilized citizens and government departments to plant a record-breaking 40 crore saplings in a single day.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Environment) and UPPSC. Highlights state-level action plans on climate change, rapid green cover expansion, and decentralized ecological governance.
Jan Bhagidari
A governance approach meaning 'public participation' that relies on active citizen involvement to achieve developmental or environmental objectives, serving as the backbone for mass afforestation campaigns.
UPSC context
GS-2 (Governance). Tests understanding of participatory democracy, civic engagement, and the effectiveness of mobilizing citizens for public policy execution.
Mission LiFE
An India-led global mass movement promoting environmentally conscious lifestyle adaptations. Grassroots afforestation campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' are practical domestic applications of this overarching philosophy.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Environment). Crucial for climate action topics, testing knowledge of India’s international environmental commitments and sustainable living practices.
Prelims Trap
'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' is a maternal health initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Despite the maternal branding, it is strictly an environmental campaign launched by the PM on World Environment Day, not a Ministry of Women & Child Development scheme.
Static Concepts Connected
How is 'Forest Cover' defined in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)?
- Forest Cover: All lands more than 1 hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, regardless of ownership or legal status.
- Tree Cover: Comprises tree patches outside the recorded forest area that are less than the minimum mappable area (1 hectare).
- Publishing Agency: ISFR is published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
What is the institutional framework funding afforestation in India?
- CAF Act 2016: Established the National and State Compensatory Afforestation Funds. State funds receive 90% of the collected funds, while the Centre retains 10%.
- Utilization Limits: Funds must be used for catchment area treatment, wildlife management, and forest fire prevention—not for administrative setups or general state expenditure.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Afforestation + Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)
State mega-drives feed directly into India's UNCCD COP14 commitment to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Cooperative Federalism + Climate Action
Merging national campaigns (Ek Ped...) with state drives (Vriksharopan Mahayagya) highlights the sub-national climate action essential to meeting India's UNFCCC Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Expect a Prelims matching question linking mass afforestation campaigns to specific states, or identifying ISFR 2023 green cover trends.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2025UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, which of the following districts in Uttar Pradesh had forest over more than 20% of their total area? 1. Bahraich 2. Chandaili 3. Shravasti Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
What do we call balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future?
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following scheme/s is/are related to Uttar Pradesh? (1) Anuthee Uphar Scheme (2) Matra Shakti Udyamita Scheme (3) Kaushalya Matritva Scheme (4) Stree Nidhi Scheme Select the 'correct' answer using the code given below -
