Patna: The Bihar government has ramped up efforts to expand green cover and combat environmental degradation under its Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, an ambitious initiative aimed at afforestation, land conservation, and eco-tourism. In the 2024-25 financial year, the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been allocated Rs 517.28 crore, marking a significant investment in sustainable environmental development.
Aiming for 17% Green Cover by 2028
Bihar’s current green cover stands at 15%, with a target to increase it to 17% under the Fourth Agriculture Road Map (2023-28). To achieve this, the state has set an ambitious goal of planting 20 crore saplings. Progress is already evident, with 3.90 crore saplings planted out of the targeted 4.68 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Afforestation Drive: Progress and Targets
Efforts under various schemes have yielded significant results:
- Agro Forestry Other Species Scheme
- Target: 41.50 lakh saplings
- Planted so far: 32.98 lakh saplings
- JEEViKA-Led Plantation
- Target: 80.34 lakh saplings
- Planted so far: 75.26 lakh saplings
- Plantation Under MGNREGA
- Target: 177.49 lakh saplings
- Planted so far: 199.62 lakh saplings
- Directorate of Horticulture Initiatives
- Target: 9.31 lakh saplings
- Planted so far: 8.37 lakh saplings
Boosting Sapling Production
Bihar is ensuring a steady supply of saplings through 246 government nurseries, which collectively produce over 8 crore plants annually. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Private Nursery Scheme supports 192 Kisan nurseries and 302 JEEViKA nurseries, adding another 1 crore saplings to the state’s green efforts each year.
Spring Plantation Drive Gains Momentum
The state is also preparing a special strategy to enhance tree plantation during spring, particularly in North Bihar, where environmental conditions favor afforestation. This initiative is expected to significantly boost ecological balance while strengthening climate resilience.
The Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan represents a crucial step towards making Bihar greener and more environmentally sustainable. With continued afforestation efforts, the initiative promises not only to increase the state’s green cover but also to improve climate balance and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for its citizens.
