UP to establish ‘Vande Mataram Vatika’ on I-day

Lucknow: On Independence Day, a ‘Vande Mataram Vatika’ will be established in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh to convey a message of patriotism along with environmental protection, an official statement issued here on Thursday said. Marking the 150th anniversary of the national song, 150 saplings will be planted in every district under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.

This vatika will be developed through public participation. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, ‘Vande Mataram Vatika’ will be established across all districts on August 15, it said.

“The Forest Department has initiated preparations for this. In each district, 150 saplings will be planted at a designated location, serving as a tribute to nature on the occasion of completing 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram,” the statement said. The Forest Department will develop the vatika, planting shady, fruit-bearing, and ecologically beneficial species suitable for local conditions. Responsibility for the care of these plants will be assigned locally so that the campaign takes the form of a lasting green heritage.

Divisional Forest Officer of the Awadh Forest Division, Sitanshu Pandey, said, “The Vande Mataram Vatika, which already exists at Kukrail Picnic Spot in Lucknow, will be expanded on Independence Day. An Ashoka Chakra has been constructed here, and Ashoka saplings will be planted on the outer area of its 24 spokes.”