How Uttar Pradesh is using 'Green Chaupals' to involve villagers in saving the environment

To increase green cover and strengthen environmental conservation, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has launched 'Green Chaupals' at the village level. The initiative aims to turn tree plantation into a mass movement with active participation from local communities. So far, Green Chaupals have been organised in 14,318 villages across the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that Uttar Pradesh increase its green cover to 15 percent by the year 2030. To achieve this goal, the Forest Department has focused on involving people directly in plantation and conservation activities. Green Chaupals have been designed as a platform where villagers can participate in planning, awareness and execution of environmental initiatives.

Green Chaupal meetings are held in villages on the third Friday of every month. At least one meeting every month is mandatory for each village. During these meetings, villagers are informed about upcoming tree plantation campaigns planned for 2026 and responsibilities related to preparation and participation are assigned.

The initiative gives special importance to the participation of women, youth and senior citizens at the Gram Panchayat level. The aim is to ensure inclusive decision-making and collective responsibility towards environmental protection.

Each Green Chaupal has a fixed structure to ensure smooth functioning:

• Gram Pradhan - President
• Forest Section/Beat Officer - Member Secretary
• Gram Panchayat Secretary - Convener

Other members include:

• Three Gram Panchayat members (minimum one woman)
• One woman representative from a Self Help Group
• Primary school headmaster
• Anganwadi helper
• Progressive farmer
• Environment expert or local NGO representative
• Biodiversity Management Committee representative

Green Chaupals also help promote environmental schemes run by different departments. Local awareness activities like street plays (nukkad natak), rallies and seminars on environmental conservation and climate change are regularly organised. The work of Green Chaupals is monitored by the District Tree Plantation Committee, while coordination is handled by the Divisional Forest Officer.

"The Chief Minister has directed that Green Chaupals be held in villages to increase greenery in Uttar Pradesh and ensure environmental conservation. The village Pradhan has been made its president. Every month, at least one Green Chaupal meeting is mandatory. So far, Green Chaupals have been organised in 14,318 villages. Excellent work done by Green Chaupals will also be identified." - Ramkumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Uttar Pradesh