LUCKNOW/GORAKHPUR, July 12 -- The stage is set for launch of the statewide 35-crore (350 million) sapling plantation campaign on Sunday in favourable conditions created by recent monsoon showers. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath will kick-start the initiative in Gorakhpur. The plantation campaign is part of Uttar Pradesh's annual afforestation programme. The state, which was facing a 59% rainfall deficit till June 29, has seen the shortfall gradually narrow to 16%. The state planted five crore saplings on World Environment Day (June 5) and, since 2017, has planted more than 242 crore saplings under successive plantation drives. As part of the drive, Adityanath will plant the sacred Triveni-Neem, Peepal and Banyan saplings-near the Gorakhpur Link Expressway and a Maulsari sapling along the Ramgarh Tal Ring Road in Gorakhpur. He will also address a public gathering. Arun Kumar Saxena, minister of state (independent charge) for forest and environment, will accompany the chief minister during the launch programme. "The showers received across the state between July 2 and July 10 have reduced heat in the upper layer of the soil, making it conducive for faster root development," officials said. "Light rainfall has also been forecast across Uttar Pradesh over the next seven days, which would further aid the sur- vival and growth of the saplings," said Aditi Sharma, chief conservator of forests (headquarters). "In fact, we do not need heavy rainfall for a few days after the saplings are planted. Moderate rain for about a week is ideal for proper root development and plant growth. It also reduces transpiration through the leaves," she added. Head of UP forest force Sunil Chaudhary said saplings had already reached the plantation sites and continuous monitoring was underway ahead of the campaign, which is scheduled to begin at 7 am on Sunday. "The state aims to increase its green cover to 15% by 2030 and 20% by 2047," he said. P7...