Uttar Pradesh to establish Vande Mataram Vatikas in all districts
Source:free-press-journal ↗
Why It Matters
The article intertwines UP-specific environmental initiatives with significant historical landmarks (150 years of Vande Mataram). For UPPSC PCS Prelims, state-level campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Vande Mataram Vatikas' are highly probable in the Current Events and UP Specific sections, while the historical connection to 'Vande Mataram' provides a reliable link to Modern Indian History PYQs.
Summary
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is set to establish 'Vande Mataram Vatikas' across all 75 districts of the state on Independence Day. Being executed under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the initiative will see the planting of 150 saplings per district to celebrate 150 years of the national song, 'Vande Mataram'. This drive aims to intertwine patriotism with environmental conservation by focusing on locally suitable fruit-bearing and shade-giving species. A notable highlight is the creation of a symbolic 'Ashoka Chakra' using Ashoka tree saplings at the Kukrail Picnic Spot in Lucknow.
Key Points
- The Uttar Pradesh government will establish 'Vande Mataram Vatikas' in all 75 districts on August 15 (Independence Day).
- This plantation drive is a sub-initiative of the broader 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
- Exactly 150 saplings will be planted in each district to commemorate 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
- A symbolic 'Ashoka Chakra' will be constructed at the Kukrail Picnic Spot in Lucknow by planting Ashoka saplings.
- The state forest department will ensure the plantation of shade-giving, fruit-bearing, and locally suited ecologically beneficial plant species.
Important Terms
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
A mass tree-plantation campaign launched on World Environment Day 2024, encouraging citizens to plant a sapling in honor of their mothers to promote afforestation and ecological sustainability.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS-3 (Environment) & GS-2 (Government Initiatives). Highlights citizen-led climate action and aids India's carbon sink targets.
Vande Mataram Vatikas
Thematic gardens established across all 75 Uttar Pradesh districts on Independence Day, featuring 150 locally suitable saplings each, to commemorate 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
UPSC context
Important for UP-PCS and GS-1 (Modern History). Blends nationalist heritage with ecological conservation under mass plantation drives.
Uttar Pradesh Forest Department
The state's nodal agency responsible for managing forest resources, wildlife conservation, and executing massive afforestation campaigns to increase the state's green cover to 15% by 2030.
UPSC context
Relevant for UP-PCS and GS-3 (Environment). Vital for understanding state-level implementation of environmental policies and social forestry schemes.
Prelims Trap
"Vande Mataram was first sung publicly at the 1911 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress."
This confuses the National Song with the National Anthem. Vande Mataram was first sung at the 1896 INC session. Jana Gana Mana was sung in 1911.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the historical significance of Bankim Chandra's novel Anandamath?
- Sanyasi Rebellion: Set in late 18th-century Bengal, the novel popularized the narrative of the Sanyasi Rebellion against the British East India Company.
- Vande Mataram: It contained the 1876-composed song 'Vande Mataram', which later emerged as the principal political rallying cry of the 1905 Swadeshi Movement.
- Language Mix: The song itself was uniquely composed by Bankim Chandra in a highly stylized mix of Sanskrit and Bengali.
How is environmental conservation explicitly enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
- Article 48A: Added by the 42nd Amendment, it directs the State (DPSP) to protect and improve the environment, forests, and wildlife.
- Article 51A(g): Establishes a fundamental duty for every Indian citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests.
- Concurrent List: The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) transferred 'Forests' from the State List to the Concurrent List, enabling joint Union-State action.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Historical milestones driving climate action
Marking Vande Mataram's 150th year via 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' blends Modern History anniversaries with India's contemporary UNFCCC NDC targets of creating additional carbon sinks.
Cooperative federalism in green targets
UP's localized execution of the globally launched 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign illustrates decentralized state-level action fulfilling national environmental mandates.
Expect a chronological Prelims question linking Anandamath, the Sanyasi Rebellion, and INC sessions due to Vande Mataram's 150th year.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2005UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Vande Mataram became the theme song of the Indian National Movement during
- 2002UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
In which of the following movements Vande Mataram was adopted slogan for agitation:
- 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
Which of the following Scheme/Programme is not the Central Government Programme and it is Uttar Pradesh Government's Programme?
