Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the national leader in compensatory afforestation for the fiscal year 2024–25, utilising funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). This remarkable achievement has taken place under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has prioritized environmental restoration across the state.
According to data provided by the Forest and Wildlife Department, the state successfully carried out afforestation on 32,933.97 hectares—completing 86% of its 2024–25 target. With this, UP stands at the top among all Indian states in CAMPA-funded afforestation progress. The remaining 3,261 hectares under the current target are expected to be completed shortly.
For the next financial year (2025–26), the department has outlined a goal to restore an additional 1,896 hectares through compensatory afforestation efforts. These initiatives form a part of a broader plan to balance environmental loss resulting from diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Beyond tree planting, CAMPA funds are also being deployed to boost infrastructure and conservation efforts across UP. Projects include the development of water catchment areas, soil preservation activities, and installation of solar-powered water pumps. High-tech nurseries and forest protection facilities are also being supported under this scheme.
In a significant move for wildlife preservation, the state inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in the Campierganj Range of Maharajganj district in September 2024. Officials say this is the first center in the world dedicated specifically to breeding endangered Asian vultures. “This center is a milestone in our wildlife conservation efforts,” a senior official said.
The forest divisions that contributed most to the afforestation success include Shivalik, Varanasi, and Kashi Wildlife. These regions saw large-scale tree plantation drives and environmental improvement activities over the last year, significantly boosting UP’s overall performance.
The CAMPA fund operates under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Acts of 2016 and 2018. Through this mechanism, funds are collected to restore ecological balance when forest land is diverted. So far, Uttar Pradesh has transferred 47,635 hectares of forest land, with a compensatory afforestation target of 38,092 hectares.
Along with afforestation, the funds have enabled the construction of forest outposts, purchase of surveillance vehicles, and housing facilities for forest staff. Authorities emphasised that these additional resources are vital for strengthening patrolling, improving forest health, and enhancing wildlife protection.
These developments reflect the state’s growing emphasis on sustainable forestry and biodiversity. As one official summarised, “Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has set a national example in forest conservation and green development.”
