Bihar’s Green Push: Environment Minister Calls for Accelerated Plantation Drive
Patna: The Bihar government has intensified its afforestation efforts under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, with Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Dr. Prem Kumar directing officials to meet and exceed tree plantation targets for 2024-25. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Patna, the minister emphasized the need for large-scale plantations, particularly in North Bihar, where favorable climatic conditions support afforestation.
Aiming for 17% Green Cover
Bihar’s current forest cover stands at 15%, with the state aiming to increase it to 17% under the Fourth Agriculture Roadmap. To achieve this, the government has set an ambitious target of planting 20 crore saplings between 2023 and 2028.
For the ongoing financial year, against a target of 4.68 crore saplings, 3.89 crore have already been planted. Additionally, under the Agroforestry Other Species Scheme, farmers have planted 32.84 lakh saplings (against a target of 41.5 lakh), while Jeevika Didis, who play a key role in community afforestation efforts, have planted 75.25 lakh saplings out of the 80.34 lakh target.
Efforts under MNREGA have surpassed expectations, with 199.62 lakh saplings planted, exceeding the set target of 177.49 lakh. The Horticulture Directorate has also made progress, achieving 8.37 lakh plantations against a 9.31 lakh target.
Strategic Budget Allocation for Afforestation
For the financial year 2025-26, Bihar’s Planning and Development Department has allocated Rs 528.87 crore to the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department. This includes:
- Rs 54 crore as the central government’s share for centrally sponsored schemes
- Rs 12 crore from the state government
- Rs 462.87 crore for state-led initiatives
In 2024-25, a budget of Rs 517.28 crore was utilized for key projects such as:
- Tree plantation drives
- Soil and land conservation
- Eco-tourism initiatives
- Chief Minister’s Private Nursery Scheme
- Agroforestry expansion
To support these efforts, 246 government-run nurseries have been established, producing over 8 crore saplings annually. Additionally, 192 farmer nurseries and 302 livelihood nurseries under the Chief Minister’s Private Nursery Scheme produce 1 crore saplings every year.
Minister’s Directives for Enhanced Plantation Efforts
Dr. Prem Kumar instructed officials to ensure the completion of the spring plantation target, particularly in North Bihar, where the climate is conducive to afforestation. He also called for a detailed proposal to maximize tree plantations across the region.
Furthermore, he urged officials to expedite the plantation of poplar saplings under the Agroforestry-Poplar Scheme for 2024-25, stressing the importance of this species in increasing Bihar’s green cover and supporting farmers engaged in agroforestry.
