Ambitious Forest Restoration Plan for Braj

• Forestry development has been divided into three catagories of Tal Forest – Maitri van, Tal van and Virasat van
• These areas will be transformed into wetlands to serve as natural habitats for both migratory and indigenous bird species.

2024.01.04 (Vrindavan Today News): The Government of Uttar Pradesh has formulated a comprehensive plan to develop heritage forests across 11 districts, including the Mathura District, the Land of Shri Krishna.

In a significant move towards environmental conservation, this initiative aims to preserve and enhance the biodiversity by planting and nurturing trees of selected species dating back to 1948.

Led by the Forest Department, officials have initiated the process of identifying forest land in Mathura in collaboration with the Revenue Department. The state plans to establish Friendship Forests along the state borders, fostering biodiversity by cultivating indigenous trees and plants known for their significance in both Haryana and Rajasthan.

The three types of forests planned for the Braj region include Friendship Forests, Heritage Forests, and Tal (pond) Forests. These initiatives not only contribute to the conservation of forest wealth but also safeguard the flora and fauna inhabiting these regions.

The Yogi Adityanath-led government has been consistently striving to augment forest wealth in all districts over the past few years. Massive tree plantation drives have been conducted on a large scale, with millions of saplings planted annually. The Mathura district alone witnessed a remarkable increase in tree plantation, with over 35.5 lakh saplings planted in the year 2023.

In addition to these efforts, the National Green Tribunal and the Taj Triposium Zone have joined hands to protect and preserve the existing trees and plants in the region. The government has also kick started the development of three specific types of forests, namely Friendship Forests, Heritage Forests, and Talab Forests, to enhance biodiversity and promote natural habitats.

The Tal Forests project focuses on developing wetland areas and ponds, with a minimum of two hectares of land identified for this purpose. These areas will be transformed into wetlands to serve as natural habitats for both migratory and indigenous bird species. The initiative also includes measures to control water levels and prevent soil erosion through the plantation of trees.

Furthermore, the government has declared 32 trees aged over a century as protected species, emphasizing the need to conserve and safeguard their existence. This holistic approach towards environmental conservation reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of its rich natural heritage.

UP government’s visionary plan for developing various types of forests in Mathura signifies a crucial step towards biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The government’s proactive measures underline the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between human development and the preservation of the natural ecosystem.