20 Million Trees Planted in a Day – Just the Beginning for India’s Forest Plans

Millions of people gathered in northern India to plant millions of trees as part of a national plan to tackle climate change.

“We are committed to increase the forest cover of Uttar Pradesh to over 15% of the total land area in next five years,” says Yogi Adityanath, the state’s chief minister. “In today’s campaign, over 20 million trees will be planted at the banks of the Ganges river, which will help in keeping this mighty river clean.”

The country wishes to increase its forest cover, pledging to keep a third of its territory under tree cover despite the growing pressure on the land as the population grows and industrial projects are pursued. “India has pledged to increase its forest cover to 235 million acres by 2030, and it starts now,” adds Adityanath.