Uttar Pradesh’s ‘One Tree for Mother’ Campaign Links Rakhi to Climate Action

The Uttar Pradesh forest department, guided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is turning the Raksha Bandhan celebration into a climate‑focused activity. On 28 August, siblings will gather in every forest division to plant saplings under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” drive, a segment of the larger “Plantation Mahayagya‑2026”.

Participants will tie a Raksha‑Sutra around each sapling, symbolising a promise to nurture and protect the tree until it matures. This ritual mirrors the protective bond that brothers pledge to their sisters during the festival.

The Mahayagya‑2026 initiative already achieved a record planting of over 35.27 crore trees on 12 July, a campaign launched by the CM in Gorakhpur. The program will continue until 5 September, coinciding with Teacher’s Day, with Raksha Bandhan planting forming a central event.

Authorities stress that trees provide essential shade, oxygen, and carbon sequestration, making them vital allies in the fight against climate change. By integrating cultural traditions with environmental stewardship, the state hopes to foster a lasting sense of responsibility among its citizens.

The Yogi government’s broader agenda includes strengthening social cohesion, boosting rural economies, and establishing specialized forests to meet specific ecological objectives, all aimed at achieving a balanced climate future.