UP Launches 'Mitra Van' for Green Borders and Cooperation

Project Overview and Objectives

• 'Mitra Van' (Friendship Forest) initiative part of Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024
• Aims to increase green cover along state and international borders
• Promote environmental cooperation with neighboring states and Nepal
• Involve dignitaries from other states in plantation drive
• Target: 35 crore saplings to be planted by July 20, 2024
• Additional special forests: 'Shakti Van', 'Yuva Van', and 'Bal Van'

Geographical Scope and Implementation

• 35 forest divisions selected for 'Mitra Van' establishment
• Covers districts bordering neighboring states, Delhi, and Nepal
• Key border districts include:
  • Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor
  • Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich
  • Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria
  • Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Prayagraj
  • Mathura, Aligarh, Noida, Ghaziabad
• Special focus on Nepal border districts:
  • Sonauli in Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, Bahraich, Pilibhit

Implementation Strategy and Coordination

• Forest department to collaborate with officials from neighboring states and Nepal
• Seek opinions on species selection for plantation
• Ensure availability of plants
• 35 forest divisions responsible for location selection and plant species
• Coordination with representatives of neighboring states, UT, and Nepal
• Engage neighboring representatives in plantation drive

Leadership and Key Officials

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Provided overall direction for the initiative
• Sudhir Kumar Sharma: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Department
• PP Singh: Additional Chief Conservator of Forests
• Uttar Pradesh Forest Department: Nodal agency for implementing the scheme