Lucknow: Moringa (sahjan or drumstick) saplings were distributed free of cost across Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday under the state’s ‘Sahjan Bhandara’ campaign.While the state surpassed its target by planting over 35.2 crore saplings against the goal of 35 crore during the mega plantation drive on July 12, the afforestation campaign will continue over the coming months through a series of theme-based plantation programmes, according to an official release.The next phase will begin on July 16 with the creation of ‘Maharishi Charak Van’ (medicinal forests) in all 77 forest divisions. Each forest will cover one hectare and feature medicinal plant species.On July 18, ‘Samriddhi Van’ (prosperity forests) will be developed in every block of the state, followed by ‘Kapi Van’ (monkey forests) in all municipal corporations, nagar palikas and nagar panchayats on July 21.The state will also establish ‘Urja Van’ (energy forests) in every development block on July 23 and ‘Samras Van’ (harmony forests) in all forest divisions on July 27.Further, ‘Vande Mataram Vatikas’ will be developed across all districts on Aug 15, while ‘Rakshabandhan Vatikas’ will be planted on Aug 28.The campaign will conclude on Sept 5, Teachers’ Day, with the plantation of ‘Ek Ped Guru Ke Naam’ in all forest divisions across the state.
