Several thematic forests to be developed across state: Uttar Pradesh Govt
IN A move aimed at boosting environmental protection and foster national unity, the Uttar Pradesh government would develop a series of 'inspirational and thematic' forests across the state, officials said on Wednesday.
The government will also undertake a forestation drive across the state. These forests would be given names such as Shaurya Van, Atal Van, Eklavya Van, Gopal Van and Triveni Van, with each of these areas to be dedicated for specific species of trees and plantation, engaging several departments as per the requirement, officials said.
Officials said each such forest area would be developed with a different focus. For instance, Shaurya Van will be developed in every district to pay tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters. Thus, apart from the green cover, there will be places to pay tribute to 'national heroes and also for public inspiration'.
Atal Van would also be developed in every district dedicated to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ekta Van will be developed, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, while Eklavya Van would be a mark of tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda.
A senior forest department official said all these forest areas would be developed in the existing green cover with additional plantation and other development taken up as well. He pointed out that unlike other special forest regions, Eklavya Van would be developed in the tribal areas of the state as they would be dedicated to Munda'.
He informed that in addition to these forest covers dedicated to prominent personalities, it has also been proposed to develop 'Oxy Van' – dense green areas created in the municipal areas with the aim to counter pollution and climate change challenges. Officials said these would be developed by the Urban Development Department. Apart from these, 'Gopal Van', which would be developed near the large cow shelters, would aim at forestation of species, which give shade as well as such plants, which can be used as fodder by the cattle.
Then, Triveni Van has been proposed alongside the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, with plantation of neem, peepal and pakkad. These would be dedicated to Maha Kumbh 2025 at Sangam, officials said.
The government has also decided to plant 4.12 crore saplings within a 5-km radius of major rivers across Uttar Pradesh as part of its 'Plantation Mahabhiyan 2025'. A major plantation drive will be organised from July 1 to July 7 across the state with the target given to different departments and institutions to plant a total of 35 crore saplings.
As part of this, the government is also promoting development of special green cover in gram sabhas as well as urban areas such as vatikas and parks.
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