West Bengal Plans to Plant 20 Crore Trees in 2027
West Bengal is planning a major expansion of its tree plantation programme, with the state targeting the planting of 20 crore trees in 2027 as part of a wider push to increase green cover, strengthen ecological protection and promote employment through plantation and maintenance activities.
The state government has also set a target of planting 10 crore saplings during 2026. Importantly, the programme places emphasis not only on plantation but also on the long-term survival of the saplings, with maintenance planned for at least two years.
20 Crore Trees Targeted for 2027
The proposed target of 20 crore trees in 2027 represents a significant plantation drive across West Bengal. The Forest Department and Panchayat Department are expected to play a leading role in implementing the programme across different parts of the state.
As part of the plantation campaign, the government is targeting the planting of 50 lakh trees across Bengal in a single day, creating a large-scale coordinated plantation exercise.
The focus on mass plantation is expected to involve rural areas, public spaces and other suitable locations, while greater attention is also being placed on ensuring that newly planted saplings survive over the long term.
10 Crore Saplings Planned in 2026
Before the larger 2027 target, West Bengal plans to plant around 10 crore saplings in 2026.
The government has stressed that plantation cannot end with putting saplings into the ground. The trees will need to be maintained for at least two years, with the broader objective of ensuring that a significant proportion of the planted saplings survive and develop into mature trees.
This approach could make post-plantation maintenance a crucial part of the programme.
3 Crore Mangroves Planned in the Sundarbans
A major component of the programme will focus on the Sundarbans, where around 3 crore mangrove trees are planned to be planted from October.
Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. The plantation programme in the Sundarbans could therefore strengthen the region's natural ecological resilience while expanding vegetation in vulnerable coastal areas.
The Sundarbans is particularly important for West Bengal because of its exposure to cyclones, coastal erosion and other environmental pressures. Expanding and maintaining mangrove cover can provide an additional layer of natural protection for the region.
GRAM G 125-Day Employment Scheme to Support Plantation
The plantation programme is also being linked with employment generation through the GRAM G 125-day employment scheme.
Plantation-related activities, including planting and maintenance of saplings, are expected to generate work opportunities at the local level. The state government could undertake up to ₹12,000 crore worth of work over the next few months, while each panchayat is expected to receive work worth around ₹50 lakh.
This could create a direct connection between environmental conservation and rural employment, allowing plantation and maintenance activities to become part of local development and livelihood programmes.
One-Third of Construction Sites to Be Reserved for Greenery
The state's green push also extends beyond large-scale tree plantation.
The government wants one-third of construction sites to be reserved for greenery, potentially encouraging developers and project agencies to integrate trees and green spaces into construction planning.
Such a requirement could help improve the environmental footprint of new development projects, particularly as urbanisation and infrastructure expansion continue across West Bengal.
Focus Shifts From Plantation to Tree Survival
One of the key aspects of the proposed programme is the emphasis on maintenance.
The government has stressed that saplings should be maintained for 2–3 years, recognising that planting large numbers of trees does not automatically translate into increased green cover if the saplings fail to survive.
Regular watering, protection from damage, monitoring and other maintenance measures will therefore be important to ensure that the plantation targets translate into actual long-term environmental gains.
A Major Green Push for Bengal
West Bengal's proposed plantation programme combines several objectives, including expanding green cover, strengthening the Sundarbans ecosystem, generating rural employment and integrating greenery into future construction.
With 10 crore saplings targeted for 2026 and 20 crore trees planned for 2027, the scale of the proposed programme is substantial. Its long-term impact, however, will depend on effective implementation, site selection, maintenance and the survival rate of the planted trees.
If successfully implemented, the programme could become a major step towards creating a greener and more climate-resilient West Bengal while also generating employment opportunities across the state's panchayats and rural communities.