LUCKNOW, July 13 -- Uttar Pradesh has come a long way from planting 51.48 crore saplings between 2009 and 2016 to planting 282 crore saplings between 2017 and 2026, aided by a significant expansion in nursery capacity across the state. The state's nursery network has more than doubled over the past decade. While Uttar Pradesh had 921 nurseries with a capacity to raise around 12 crore saplings in 2016, the number has increased to 1,939 nurseries with a combined capacity of about 51 crore saplings. The enhanced capacity has enabled the government to steadily raise its annual plantation targets. The state planted 5.71 crore saplings in 2017-18, 11.77 crore in 2018-19 and more than 22 crore in 2019-20. The numbers continued to rise, with 25.87 crore saplings planted in 2020-21, over 30 crore in 2021-22 and 35.50 crore in 2022-23. Since then, UP has consistently set and achieved annual plantation target of more than 35 crore saplings. "Focus has remained on continuously expanding our capacity and ensuring that the saplings are of good quality and adequate height. Preparations for the plantation drive begin a year in advance," said Sunil Chaudhary, head of forest force, UP. The sustained plantation efforts have reflected in the state's green cover. According to the 2023 assessment, Uttar Pradesh's forest and tree cover increased to 9.96% of its geographical area from 9.18% in 2017-an increase of more than 3 lakh hectares. htc...