UP Launches 'Green Chaupal' To Boost Rural Forest Cover, Empower Panchayats In Climate Action

The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has initiated a statewide 'Green Chaupal' program to institutionalize community-led environmental conservation. This rural governance model will establish ecological committees in every gram panchayat, comprising 11 members including elected representatives, educators, and civil society actors.  

Each committee will be mandated to conduct monthly meetings to implement localized plantation drives, maintain 'Gram Van' village forests, and manage 'Gram Harit Nidhi' green funds.

The initiative aligns with Mission LiFE objectives, integrating climate action with livelihood generation through agroforestry and carbon credit awareness.  

Concurrent school programs and street theatre campaigns will supplement these efforts. District Forest Officers will monitor progress against the 2030 target of 15% green cover, currently standing at 9.23% as per the 2021 India State of Forest Report.  

The program operationalizes provisions under the National Green Mission while creating village-level infrastructure for sustainable biodiversity management.