West Bengal Sets Target of 10 Crore Saplings in Forest Week 2026 Drive
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday launched 'Forest Week 2026' at Vanbitan in Salt Lake, setting a target of planting 10 crore saplings this year to protect the state's environment.
Adhikari referenced plantation targets set by other states, noting that Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a goal of planting 26 crore trees this monsoon. He also mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target of 1.2 crore trees in his Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat.
“If the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh can announce a target of planting 26 crore trees this monsoon, West Bengal is not as large a state as UP. So why can't we say that we will plant 10 crore trees this monsoon?” Adhikari said during the event.
The Forest Week initiative aims to boost green cover and raise environmental awareness across the state. Officials stated that the plantation drive will involve multiple government departments, local bodies, and community participation.
West Bengal's forest cover has been a subject of focus in recent years, with the state government implementing various conservation and afforestation programs. The 10 crore sapling target represents a significant increase from previous years' goals.
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative but emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate native species and ensuring proper care for the saplings to achieve long-term survival rates. The success of such large-scale plantation drives often depends on post-planting maintenance and community engagement.
