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

Directives Issued

• Selection of locations for ‘Mitra Van’
• Marking of plant species for dignitaries’ plantation
• Coordination with neighbouring states and Nepal
• Preparation of 35 crore saplings in nurseries