35 crore saplings in 2026–27, free plants from nurseries

UP’s 35 crore sapling target: what happened?

UP runs a huge plantation drive every year. Free saplings bring in farmers, schools, local bodies and companies, not just the Forest Department. The aim, the Cabinet note says, is both environmental protection and higher farm incomes.

• The Cabinet approved a target of 35 crore saplings in 2026–27, with free plants (except eucalyptus and poplar) from forest nurseries to departments, institutions, farmers and others. [UP Cabinet]

Who can get free saplings?

• All government departments and High Court premises.
• Farmers, institutions, individuals, and private and government schools and colleges.
• Central Government departments and undertakings, railways, defence and industrial units.
• Local bodies such as gram panchayats, nagar panchayats, municipal councils, municipal corporations and authorities, and cooperative societies.

How will it be managed?

• Saplings are given through the concerned government departments or institutions.
• The CM can approve later changes, except those with financial implications.
• The scheme repeats last year’s free-sapling arrangement.

Which constitutional entry covers forests?

• Seventh Schedule, List III, Entry 17A: Forests.

What can Prelims ask on UP’s 35 crore sapling target?

• UP plantation target 2026-27: 35 crore (Forest Dept 14 crore; others 21 crore).
• Free saplings except eucalyptus and poplar.
• Forests: Concurrent List, Entry 17A.