UP Launches 'Mitra Van' for Green Borders and Cooperation

The 'Mitra Van' 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, and involve dignitaries in plantation drives.

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

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