With the year 2024 about to bid adieu and the dawn of the New Year hovering somewhere behind the horizon, it is time to reflect on the months gone by, not just to list accomplishments or rue failures but to take lessons and chart the course for future action. The year 2024 was a significant year for Uttar Pradesh, giving the state the reason to celebrate a milestone—that of setting a mega record of the plantation—as well as many other achievements so far as wildlife, afforestation, and biodiversity are concerned. TreeTake takes a look …
YEAR ENDER
Uttar Pradesh again clinched a place in the record books by planting 36.80 crore saplings on July 20 under the “Ped Lagao Ped Bachao Jan Abhiyaan 2024”. In this plantation campaign, the central theme was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” (a tree in the name of our mother). Thus, all activities included this theme and it was seen in all hoardings, advertisements, print media, electronic media, and social media as well as in all speeches and meetings.
Giant green leap: The highlights of this mega drive included coordination of all departments: 26 departments other than the forest department teamed up for the endeavour. There was massive public participation and it became each individual’s programme and a mass movement. Small wonder, there was massive publicity too. Press, electronic media, Twitter, Facebook, hoardings at each crossing, and film shows publicised Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative. Against the target of 36.50 crore saplings, 36.80 crore saplings were claimed to be planted. To note, large-scale afforestation has been going on since 2018 and initiatives in the form of massive plantation drives are being undertaken by Uttar Pradesh to increase area under forest and tree cover. The aim is to increase forest and tree cover from 9.23% at present to 15% by 2030. As per the State of Forest Report of FSI, the total forest and tree cover increased by 80,000 ha from 2015 to 2021 (FSI’s remark that this increase is due to a large-scale afforestation programme in UP).
There was micro-planning at the grassroots level too. Gram panchayats and urban local bodies collected information about available sites and choice of species as per the area’s agro-climate and people’s demand. Mass awareness campaign from July 1 to 7 during Van Mahotsav gave a solid grounding to the successful plantation drive in July and August. Awareness was created through rallies, prabhat pheris, seminars, nukad-natak, painting/essay/debate competitions, etc. on topics like the importance of environmental conservation, tree cover, plantation, water conservation, rain-water harvesting, and cleanliness, etc. On July 9, CM Yogi Aditynath chaired a meeting of ministers for a one-hour discussion on plantation campaign. On July 18, he held a dialogue with gram pradhans and officials of urban local bodies, MPs, MLAs, zila panchayat adhyaksh, nagar palika parishad and nagar panchayat adhyaksh, block pramukhs etc. Similarly, the chief secretary held a meeting with all department heads on July 13.
A large number of tall and healthy saplings were available in the nurseries of the forest department, horticulture department, sericulture department as well as private nurseries. Special emphasis was laid on raising saplings of local/indigenous species. The main species raised were neem, sahjan, amla, tamarind, Arjun, jamun, bel, mango, mahua, teak, sheesham, gutel, bamboo, peepal, pakad, banyan etc. Grafted saplings of mango, guava, lemon, etc. were also raised in nurseries. To give a boost to environmental conservation and for a sustainable increase in farmers’ income, free saplings were supplied from forest department nurseries to other Departments and Undertakings of the Government of India / local bodies such as gram panchayats, nagar panchayats, municipal corporations, municipal council authority, etc. / railway/defence / industrial units / cooperative societies/courts/farmers/institutions/individuals / private and government educational institutions.
Different types of forests were established, like: (1) Wetland sanrakshan van (wetland conservation plantation) (2) Virasat vriksh vatika (Heritage Tree garden); (3)Mitr van (Friends of state plantation). There was special stress on Agroforestry for environmental conservation of the rural area, availability/supply of timber for wood-based industries, and increasing farmer’s income. It was a mass involvement as all government departments and institutions, NGOs, civil society, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Yuvak Mangal Dal, Mahila Mangal Dal, Rotary/Lions Club, Eco club, Vyapar mandals, FPOs, etc took part in the campaign. There was the active participation of public representatives like all ministers, MPs, MLAs, Mayor/chairman of urban local bodies, all ward members, zila panchayat adhyaksh, block panchayats, gram pradhans, gram panchayat members, etc, as well as the participation of chief justice of the high court, all judges, judicial officers, etc. Geotagging, Haritima Van app, and polygon for block plantations, etc. were used.
Ecological and environmental conservation was on top priority. Forest and tree cover serve as pollution sinks and instruments for combating climate change. Trees purify the environment with an abundance of oxygen. Increasing the tree cover improves the soil and groundwater levels and conserves the microclimate of an area. Forests and tree cover sequester carbon by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transforming it into biomass (carbon reservoir). Trees also play an important role in pollution control and controlling global warming by removing harmful gases from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect as well as improving air quality. In areas with dense tree cover, the amount of dust, smoke, and pollen remains under control. They also provide natural habitats for biodiversity. Hence UP’s thrust is on plantation.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Deepak Kumar said, “The plantation drive has been a massive success and it has been going on for some years now.” Listing other achievements, he said: “The tiger population in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has gone up significantly. Biodiversity has increased in jungles overall and even more elephants are seen in Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Katarniaghat. A lot of work has been done on wetlands so that more and more migratory birds may come and find suitable habitat. In border areas electric fencing is underway to ward off animals from venturing out of jungles and a lot of awareness is also being spread. There is a thrust on maintaining a prey base. If the animals find good prey base they will not venture into human habitations.”
CCF central zone Renu Singh said: “I would say it was a year of achievements. We planted 36.80 crore saplings,. There were special plantations like heritage vatikas,. wetland vatikas, Smriti van, and mitra vatilka in which we roped in people from districts bordering Nepal.”
4G Connectivity: In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth's vision to transform Uttar Pradesh into a digital state, the state government is making significant strides to ensure reliable connectivity even in dense forest areas. Under the BharatNet project, the government is rapidly expanding 4G services in wildlife sanctuaries and biodiversity-rich zones, boosting digital infrastructure in these remote regions to enhance tourists' experience. Forest areas in Uttar Pradesh, including Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Sanctuary, and Sohagibarwa Sanctuary, are renowned for their natural beauty and rich biodiversity. However, tourists often face significant challenges due to the lack of mobile network coverage. This connectivity gap hampers their ability to seek help during emergencies, disrupts digital payment options, and increases the risk of getting lost in the forest. The absence of GPS navigation and limited social interaction further complicates the travel experience.
To tackle these issues, the Yogi government is introducing solutions such as eco-friendly mobile towers, satellite networks, and emergency hotspots in forest areas, ensuring a safer and more convenient experience for visitors. Expanding internet connectivity in forest areas is a key priority of the Yogi government. Efforts are underway to allocate land at 43 sites in regions such as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Park, Suhelwa Forest Area, Katarniaghat, and Pilibhit, with land already allotted at 12 sites. To expedite the process, the government has instructed relevant departments to streamline procedures and fast-track work to bring 4G connectivity to these sensitive areas. To ensure efficient implementation and coordination with telecom companies, the forest department has been directed to appoint a nodal officer. The officer will oversee approvals, formalities, and project-related coordination, facilitating a smooth and systematic rollout of 4G services.
Illuminating rural/forest villages: Work is also underway to illuminate 100+ rural and forest villages in Uttar Pradesh with energy-efficient LED streetlights. The project is aimed at enhancing the quality of life in these villages, reducing human-wildlife conflict, increasing rural development, extending time for livelihood activities, and improving safety for women and children. The role of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh will be instrumental in this initiative for identifying the villages, providing the necessary support on the ground, and overall collaboration to drive this initiative across these forest villages for a better tomorrow. An MoU to this effect was signed a few months ago between Signify and BharatCares, in the presence of the principal chief conservator of forest/chief wildlife warden, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh. According to Nikhil Gupta, Head of CSR, Government Affairs, Marketing & Strategy at Signify, the initiative was focused on addressing the concerns beyond illumination by lighting up the forest fringe villages in Uttar Pradesh. By empowering these communities with light, the aim was to bring safety and create a lasting impact on the villages. By bringing the transformative power of light to these 100+ villages, this initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of thousands of people and contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for rural Uttar Pradesh.
India’s 1st night safari: The Uttar Pradesh government has set the ball rolling for India’s first night safari in the state capital and visitors may enjoy a night out in December 2026. As per officials, sky cycling, skywalk, and a 5.5-km tramway amid nocturnal animals in a serene environment with lights like moonbeams would be major attractions. The night safari is coming up on a 900-acre maple leaf design in the 2027.46-hectare Kukrail forest. The detailed project report has been presented before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. When launched, it will be the world’s fifth night safari. The project has got in-principle approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) which is reviewing the DPR. Yogi has instructed officials to complete the construction work by June 2026 and emphasized the development of a sustainable model for the economy of the night safari and zoo. Work is underway to float a global tender to find an agency that brings the design from the paper to the ground.
Vulture breeding centre: UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of Gorakhpur Forest Division on September 6. It is the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for the Asian King Vulture or the red-headed vulture. There are other conservation and breeding centres of vultures named Jatayu in the country, but they cater to all breeds of vultures. The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre is spread over 1.5 hectares of land in the Gorakhpur forest division and it was built at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore. The centre houses multiple bird cages as well as a nursery for juveniles, a hospital and a recovery facility for birds that need medical care. There is also a food processing centre. To hatch vulture eggs artificially, there is also an incubation centre. The captive birds will be released into the wild after the female has laid the egg. The aim is to release 40 pairs of vultures from the centre over the next 8 to 10 years. At present, there are one male and five female redheaded vultures in the centre. Redheaded vultures have been included in the critically endangered species list of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), as they are threatened by loss of habitat and indiscriminate human use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in animals. Vultures eating animal carcasses with diclofenac suffer from head/neck drooping syndrome and die. This is one of the main causes of the decline in the vulture population in India. The food processing centre will protect vultures from eating infected meat.
Curbing wildlife crime: The WCCB, Uttar Pradesh Police, and forest department seized 36 kg calipee in a joint operation at Etawah railway station. The Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested two persons with 14 turtles near platform number 2 of Cheoki railway station in Prayagraj. Police said the turtles were of rare species and estimated to be about Rs 3.50 lakh. The miscreants caught these turtles from Ganga with the intention of smuggling. The DRI rescued 679 live baby turtles in two operations in Uttar Pradesh. In Mathura, a wildlife smuggler was arrested with 22 Indian softshell turtles in a joint operation of the police with the forest department.|
Challenges: The year was fraught with some difficulties, the prime being man-animal conflict. A pack of wolves terrorised people and a number of villages in Bahraich and Shravasti divisions were on the edge as the predators prowled at night, mauling and killing children and even injuring adults. Villagers were tense and foresters on their toes, patrolling, trying to cage the predators to check attacks, and sensitizing people about dos and don'ts. Chief forest conservator (central zone) Renu Singh headed Operation Bhediya, combing and patrolling relentlessly and sensitising villagers on dos and don’ts. After marathon efforts, the foresters managed to trap most of the predators and the villagers heaved a sigh of relief. The death of two elephants in Najibabad also cast a shadow. A few leopard attacks in Bijnoe, Farrukhabad and Maharajganj also caused worry for foresters.
Renu Singh told TreeTake: “Containing the wolf attacks in a short time was certainly an achievement. We did not kill any animals and captured all. The first died of a heart attack and the post-mortem revealed human remains inside. So, we could ascertain it was a man-eater and the entire pack was very dangerous. I was heading this operation. If you see earlier cases of wolf attacks, there were many casualties. But in this instance, we controlled it quickly. We used drones and our team of 165 combed and patrolled till 2 and 3 in the night. I was there for 16 days and did not budge for a day. I regard it a big feat. Then in south Khiri, there was a big cat problem. We caught a tiger and a leopard. So, lots of good things have happened. This year was full of achievements.”
Other initiatives: Efforts have been made for soil moisture conservation in arid and rain-deficient areas like Bundelkhand through check dams and rainwater harvesting. Work is also underway to improve animal habitat and biodiversity.|
Looking forward: APCCF Deepak Kumar said: “Forest and tree cover which is 9.3 percent at present is to be increased to 15 percent by 2030 under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) per vision document. It is a difficult task as there is population pressure and most of the land, almost 70 percent, is under cultivation. So there is not much land for plantation. That is why we are going in for agroforestry. Although our tree cover at 3.0 is better than the national average of 2.7, we motivate people, particularly farmers, to plant trees on their farmland wherever there is space. Farmers are paid carbon credit for planting trees to sequester carbon on behalf of industries. A habitat improvement scheme will also be implemented under which biodiversity needs will be examined and it will be ensured that tree cover is maintained, there are grasslands, wetlands and all other necessary things for wild animals. We will also try to rope in civic bodies for Miyawaki forestation in urban areas in various cities to provide green lungs to improve the air. There are such forests in Lucknow and Varanasi but the aim is to ensure more such green spaces in cities and save biodiversity. In Japan, people go into dense woods or jungles for a walk and spend a few hours amid nature to rejuvenate themselves. There should be some dense green space in cities too where people may go to unwind and be close to nature.”
Renu Singh said: "In the new year we have to meet targets, building more nurseries, augmenting existing ones, reducing man-animal conflict, and raising public awareness. If people in Bahraich did not sleep outside, no casualties would have taken place. So, we aim to raise public awareness to coexist peacefully with animals. Man-animal conflict is a challenging task for us because we have to save both. In this context, public awareness is very important. You can restrict animals only to an extent. People should understand coexistence is essential and they should take precautions. Awareness drives are underway and we will intensify them. I myself go to places where such conflicts take place and talk to people, trying to make them understand that their safety is of paramount importance.”
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