The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious afforestation initiative, aiming to plant 3.5 billion saplings in a single day as part of the 'Mega Plantation Campaign-2026'. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations, emphasizing the importance of public participation and the slogan 'Plant trees, protect trees'. The campaign will include planting 43.5 million saplings along the Ganga Expressway and in Ayodhya, where trees associated with the Ramayan will be planted. Between 2009 and 2016, 514.8 million saplings were planted, which increased to over 2.42 billion from 2017 to 2025, raising the state's green cover to 9.96%. Adityanath has set targets to increase this to 15% by 2030 and 20% by 2047, with action plans due by May 30. The state currently operates 1,935 departmental nurseries, ensuring the availability of over five billion saplings.