Uttar Pradesh is the Leader in Tree Plantation in FY 2024-25

Uttar Pradesh has planted the highest number of trees in the country in the last year.

State planted more than 395 million trees under various schemes between April 2024 and March 2025, more than the combined total of the next best two states, Telangana and Gujarat.

Out of 1295 million trees planted in the country, Uttar Pradesh led the pack with more than 30% share, followed by Telangana (13.61%), Gujarat (13.37%), Madhya Pradesh (4.93%) and Andhra Pradesh (4.38%). 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken up tree plantation activities under various schemes to increase the forest cover in India, such as the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), National Mission for Green India (GIM) and the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat and Tangible Benefits (MISHTI).

Afforestation activities are also undertaken in a major way by utilizing Compensatory Afforestation Funds under the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under the overarching theme of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, a voluntary initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to our own mothers as well as Mother Earth was launched on 5th June, 2024.  

The protection and management of forests and tree resources is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations and the details of illegal felling of trees and action taken in this regard are within their purview.

To stop the illegal felling of trees, States and UTs are taking various measures such as regular patrolling in the forest areas by front-line forest staff to prevent occurrence of any illegal and prohibited activities, establishment of patrolling and anti-poaching camps, check posts at strategic and vulnerable locations, deployment of vigilance and flying squad parties, regular inspections in vulnerable areas, etc.

Besides, State and UT Forest Departments are also implementing Joint Forest Management programmes, awareness campaigns, educational programmes, etc., to secure the involvement of communities in forest protection activities.

There are legal frameworks for the protection and management of forest and tree resources of the country, which include the Indian Forest Act 1927, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, the State Forest Acts, Tree Preservation Acts and Rules, etc.

The State Governments and UT Administrations take appropriate actions to protect forests and trees under the provisions made in these Acts/ Rules as and when instances regarding the illegal felling of trees are detected.

The budget for plantation in the current financial year under the afforestation schemes is Rs. 684.54 Crores.