Under a statewide mega plantation drive, 17 lakh saplings will be planted in Varanasi this year. The forest department will carry out the drive next month. The drive will focus on planting fruit-bearing and oxygen-giving plants like drumstick, Peepal, Pakkad, Banyan, Arjun, Jamun, Amla, Guava, Mango, Teak, Sheesham, and others. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government has been ensuring mega plantation drives for the past seven years, with special attention to environmental protection in Varanasi. The upcoming mega tree plantation drive in July will prioritize plants with greater oxygen-generating capacity, fruit-bearing, and medicinal properties. Public participation will be encouraged by providing saplings of their choice for planting.
Plantation drives mark World Environment Day celebrations with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Events include tree planting, competitions, and wildlife conservation initiatives.