Uttar Pradesh Launches 'Mitra Van' Initiative Along Borders

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has unveiled a major environmental initiative called ‘Mitra Van’ (Friendship Forest) as part of the Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024. This ambitious project aims to enhance greenery along the borders of Uttar Pradesh, including its international border with Nepal.

Project Overview

Objectives

Increase green cover along state and international borders
Promote environmental cooperation with neighboring states and Nepal
Involve dignitaries from other states in the plantation drive

Implementation

35 forest divisions selected for ‘Mitra Van’ establishment
Plantation drive to commence on July 20, 2024
Forest department coordinating with neighboring states and Nepal

Geographical Scope

Border Districts Involved

The ‘Mitra Van’ initiative will be implemented in 35 districts bordering neighboring states, including:

Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor
Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly
Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich
Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar
Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria
Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli
Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Prayagraj
Chitrakoot, Banda, Mahoba
Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun
Etawah, Agra, Mathura
Aligarh, Noida, Ghaziabad
Baghpat and Shamli

Nepal Border Focus

Special attention will be given to districts adjoining Nepal, including:

Sonauli in Maharajganj
Lakhimpur Kheri
Shravasti
Bahraich
Pilibhit

Implementation Strategy

Coordination Efforts

Forest department to collaborate with officials from neighboring states and Nepal
Seek opinions on species selection for plantation
Ensure availability of plants

Special Forests

In addition to ‘Mitra Van’, instructions have been given to establish:

‘Shakti Van’ (Power Forest)
‘Yuva Van’ (Youth Forest)
‘Bal Van’ (Children’s Forest)

Leadership and Directives

Key Officials Involved

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