PATNA, March 23 -- The state's total green cover, comprising the forested areas, has now crossed 15.5%, according to a statement released by the rural development department last week. The ongoing tree-planting drive under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission (JJHM) has significantly enhanced the green cover, supplementing the forest and environment department's afforestation initiatives. While the figure is still below the national average of 23.8%, the achievement marks a clear turnaround for a state that has long struggled with shrinking tree cover amid floods, population pressure and changing weather patterns.

The just-released Bihar Economic Survey 2025-26, presented in the assembly last month, lays out the progress in black and white. B...