Uttar Pradesh to Establish Gopal Van with Massive Tree Plantation Drive
Uttar Pradesh's Ambitious Tree Plantation Initiative
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is set to plant over 372.1 million trees in a single day on July 9. The state is also establishing unique forests, with different divisions assigned specific responsibilities. The main event for the establishment of 'Gopal Van' will take place in Mathura on July 27. CM Adityanath has instructed that this state-level event be celebrated as a festival, emphasizing the participation of local representatives, cattle herders, saints, and school children.
Main Event at Devarha Baba Ashram in Mathura
The primary event for Gopal Van will occur at the Brahmarshi Devarha Baba Gaushala, located on Chhathikara Govardhan Road in Mathura. Here, various fodder species will be planted. Following this, a seminar focusing on the 'Enhancement of Forests in Gaushalas' will be held, which will also involve school children. The Chief Minister, who is also the head of Gorakhnath Peeth, has directed the inclusion of the saint community and cattle herders in the establishment of Gopal Van.
Continued Focus on Unique Plantations by Yogi Government
In line with previous years, the Yogi government is once again establishing unique gardens this year. So far, initiatives like Eklavya Van, Triveni Van, Oxy Van, Shakti Van, and others have been launched. During the monsoon of 2025, plans include the establishment of Atal Van, Gopal Van, Pious Stream Plantations, Brother-Sister Plantations, and Shaurya Van, along with a focus on tree planting and conservation in collaboration with industrial units.
Gopal Van to be Set Up at 7608 Cow Shelters
In rural Uttar Pradesh, there are 6,613 temporary cow shelters, 387 large cow conservation centers, and 305 Kanji houses, along with 303 Kanha cow shelters in urban areas, totaling 7,608 cow shelters. Gopal Van will be established at all these locations, with tree planting activities planned throughout the year, along with special attention to their conservation. The government has also requested private cattle herders to participate in planting trees.
Significance of Gopal Van's Establishment in Mathura
Lord Krishna is revered as Gopal, known for caring for and nurturing cows. Cows selflessly provide many benefits. Mathura is recognized as the city of Gopal, which is why the responsibility for the state-level main event of Gopal Van has been entrusted to the Mathura Forest Division. The Yogi government has decided to establish Gopal Van in every cow shelter to provide shade and fodder for the animals residing there. An extensive campaign has been launched to ensure that Gopal Van is established in each shelter, with the planting of shade and fodder species according to the availability of space.
Official Statement
As per the directives of the state government, the establishment of unique forests is underway. Different divisions have been assigned responsibilities for this initiative. The Mathura Forest Division is tasked with planting, enriching, and preserving Gopal Van in the city of Kanha. In light of this, a grand state-level event will be held on July 27 at Devarha Baba Ashram to establish Gopal Van, with support from local representatives, school children, and various community members. All preparations for this event have been completed.