Health dept to plant over 16 lakh saplings as part of Van Mahotsav

Lucknow: State health department will plant more than 16 lakh saplings as part of the state govt’s Van Mahotsav-2026 campaign, which has set an overall target of planting 35 crore saplings this year.Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak announced the target on Wednesday while chairing a virtual meeting with chief medical officers (CMOs) from all districts and principals of govt medical colleges.Pathak said the focus should not be limited to plantation but should also include the long-term survival of the saplings. He directed officials to identify suitable locations within hospitals, medical colleges and other departmental premises and prepare detailed plantation plans before the drive begins.Emphasising accountability, the DyCM instructed district authorities to appoint nodal officers to monitor the upkeep of the saplings after plantation.“The responsibility does not end with planting trees. Their maintenance is equally important,” he said, warning officials against any laxity in implementing the campaign.He also stressed the need for public participation to ensure the success of the plantation drive.

During the meeting with principals of govt medical colleges, Pathak issued similar directions for plantation on college campuses and other institutional land under their jurisdiction.The health department also released district-wise plantation targets during the meeting.Senior health officials were also present at the meeting.