Raipur, April 27, 2026: Chhattisgarh has recorded the highest increase in forest and tree cover—a growth of 683 square kilometers—securing the first position nationwide, state Forest Department officials said today.
In the meeting of the Steering Committee constituted for Chhattisgarh State’s Action Plan on Climate Change, presiding over by the Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel at the state Secretariat, officials from the Chhattisgarh State Climate Change Centre gave a presentation about the efforts primarily focussing on afforestation activities in the state.
Various initiatives related to climate change are currently being undertaken across the state, the officials said.
These efforts primarily focus on afforestation activities. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) scheme, approximately 70 million saplings have already been planted. Furthermore, under the ‘Kisan Vriksh Mitra’ (Farmer-Tree Friend) scheme, 36.8 million trees have been planted, they said, according to official sources.
Officials highlighted that, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2025, the state has recorded the highest increase in forest and tree cover—a growth of 683 square kilometers—securing the first position nationwide.
As part of the state’s climate change mitigation efforts, the general public is being encouraged to adopt and use electric vehicles (e-vehicles). Additionally, solar pumps are being distributed to farmers. Officials also noted that organic farming is being actively promoted throughout the state. During the year 2025-2026, organic farming was undertaken on approximately 55,050 hectares of land. In the state, along with the hydrological planning of over 300 dams, sedimentation surveys for 24 large and medium-sized reservoirs have been completed. Officials presented their views regarding the establishment of a Climate Change Knowledge Centre within the state.
