UP Govt To Set Up Green Chaupal In Villages To Promote Environmental Awareness And Plantation

In a major push for grassroots environmental conservation, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to establish ‘Green Chaupal’ at the Gram Sabha level across villages in the state. The initiative aims to foster public participation in greenery development and environmental protection through regular community engagement.

Each Green Chaupal will be formed with the collective efforts of multiple departments, led by the Gram Pradhan as President and the Gram Panchayat Officer as its convenor. A minimum of one meeting will be held every month to discuss and implement Gram Panchayat-wise micro plantation plans and maintain green cover on available vacant lands.

The Divisional Forest Officer and Member Secretary of the District Environment Committee will facilitate the formation of Green Chaupals. The Section/Beat Officer will serve as Member Secretary, while the Gram Vikas Adhikari will act as Convenor.

Members will include three Gram Panchayat representatives (with at least one woman), a female member from a self-help group, the headmaster of the local primary school, an Anganwadi Sahayika, a progressive farmer, an environmentalist or NGO representative, and a member of the Biodiversity Management Committee. Concerned department officials will participate as special invitees.

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In addition to establishing these forums, the government will also create 'Gram Vans' (village forests) in rural areas to increase green cover.

Green Chaupal will work towards ensuring plantation drives and their maintenance, implementing local micro plans, managing the Gram Harit Nidhi (village green fund), and promoting awareness to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Project) Ram Kumar stated that the Green Chaupal will actively publicise environment-related government schemes and facilitate local awareness programs through nukkad nataks (street plays), rallies, and seminars focused on environmental conservation and climate change.

The District Plantation Committee will monitor the functioning of each Green Chaupal, while coordination responsibilities will be handled by the Divisional Forest Officer.

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