Bihar Government Plans to Plant 20 Crore Saplings by 2028 to Combat Pollution and Enhance Green Cover
PATNA : In an ambitious push to improve environmental health and combat the increasing levels of air pollution, the Bihar government has set a target to plant 20 crore saplings across the state by 2028. This major initiative was announced by Bihar’s Forest and Environment Minister Prem Kumar, who emphasized that the plan is part of the state’s efforts to increase its green cover and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
With a focus on both ecological sustainability and improving air quality, the government aims to substantially increase Bihar’s forest cover, which currently stands at 15%. The target is to raise it to 17% by the time the fourth agriculture roadmap is completed. To achieve this ambitious goal, the state will be establishing a comprehensive network of nurseries and partnering with local farmers and community groups to accelerate the plantation drive.
Targeted Plantation to Combat Air Pollution
The plantation plan comes at a time when air pollution in certain areas of Bihar, particularly in urban districts, is reaching concerning levels. In response, the state government intends to focus its efforts on districts with the highest levels of pollution. “Our priority will be to plant trees in areas where air quality is deteriorating,” said Minister Prem Kumar. These saplings will help absorb carbon dioxide, increase oxygen levels, and contribute to improving the air quality in these polluted zones.
The government’s push to address the increasing levels of air pollution is critical, as studies have shown that air quality in Bihar, particularly in cities like Patna, frequently exceeds safe limits. By increasing the green cover, the government hopes to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Establishment of 246 New Nurseries Across the State
As part of the initiative, the Bihar Forest Department plans to establish 246 nurseries across the state. These nurseries will be dedicated to growing approximately 8 crore saplings, which will form a crucial part of the 20 crore sapling target. This infrastructure development is expected to support the large-scale distribution of plants over the coming years.
Additionally, 193 farmers and 300 Jeevika Didi (community-based women’s groups) will also play a significant role in growing plants. Together, these grassroots networks will produce an additional 1 crore plants each year, which will be distributed among farmers, local communities, and other residents.
This decentralization of sapling production aims to involve local stakeholders in environmental preservation and create awareness about the importance of green cover. It also offers an opportunity for farmers to increase their income by engaging in plant nursery activities, creating a sustainable ecosystem for both the environment and the economy.
Green Cover in Bihar: Current Status and Future Targets
At present, Bihar’s green cover is approximately 15%, which is relatively low compared to other states in India. Increasing the green cover is a major goal for the state government, as it plays a key role in regulating the climate, improving air quality, and maintaining biodiversity. By 2028, the government plans to raise this figure to 17%, which aligns with the objectives laid out in Bihar’s fourth agriculture roadmap.
The roadmap, which is set to guide agricultural and environmental policies in the state, also emphasizes sustainable practices in farming, with a focus on increasing forest cover and reducing the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment.
Involvement of Local Farmers and Jeevika Didi
A unique feature of the plantation project is the involvement of local farmers and women’s self-help groups (Jeevika Didi), which ensures that the initiative has both grassroots participation and widespread support. These groups have been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and will now take part in growing and distributing saplings to local communities.
By empowering these groups, the government hopes to create a sense of ownership among the residents, who will actively contribute to the success of the plantation project. Farmers will also be encouraged to plant trees on their farmland, which could benefit them in the long term by improving soil quality and fostering agroforestry.
Proposed Timeline and Implementation
The project will officially kick off next month, with the first phase involving the establishment of the 246 nurseries and the planting of saplings in targeted areas. The government has already prepared a detailed proposal to ensure the smooth implementation of this large-scale effort. Over the course of the next five years, the Forest and Environment Department will closely monitor progress, ensuring that the target of 20 crore saplings is met by 2028.
Conclusion: A Green Future for Bihar
With the ambitious goal of planting 20 crore saplings by 2028, the Bihar government is setting an example for other states in terms of environmental commitment and pollution control. The plantation drive, combined with the establishment of nurseries and the involvement of farmers and community groups, will not only improve the state’s green cover but also contribute to long-term sustainability.
The focus on air quality, biodiversity, and community participation ensures that the initiative will have a far-reaching impact, providing benefits to both the environment and the people of Bihar. By tackling the twin challenges of pollution and deforestation, the Bihar government is taking proactive steps to safeguard the state’s future and create a healthier, greener environment for generations to come.