CAPFs Plant 66.84 Lakh Saplings (2020‑2025) – 3,212 Nurseries & 1,995 Martyr Gardens Launched by Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs disclosed that CAPFs planted 66.84 lakh saplings, set up 3,212 nurseries, and dedicated 1,995 martyr gardens across India from 2020‑2025. This large‑scale afforestation underscores the role of security forces in environmental conservation, a topic relevant to UPSC GS 2, GS 3, and GS 4.
Key Highlights of the CAPF Plantation Drive (2020‑2025) The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the CAPFs have planted 66,84,570 saplings over the last five years. The effort includes the creation of 3,212 nurseries and dedication of 1,995 gardens (Vatikas) in the names of martyrs. Key Developments (Bullet Points) Plantation of 66,84,570 saplings from 2020 to 31‑Dec‑2025 across all states and Union Territories. Establishment of 3,212 nurseries to nurture saplings before field planting. Creation of 1,995 Vatikas dedicated to martyrs, enhancing urban green cover. State‑wise contributions recorded, with Assam Rifles operating 299 nurseries and 140 Vatikas; CISF managing 291 nurseries and 256 Vatikas. The data was disclosed by Shri Nityanand Rai , Minister of State, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha . Important Facts The plantation numbers vary by region. The highest single‑state contribution came from Nagaland with 6,116,030 saplings , while the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar contributed 6,990 saplings . The cumulative effort spans 30 states and UTs, reflecting a pan‑India approach. Nurseries serve as seedbeds for saplings, ensuring higher survival rates when transplanted. Vatikas not only honor fallen heroes but also act as green lungs in densely populated areas. UPSC Relevance Understanding this initiative helps aspirants in multiple papers: GS 2 (Polity) : Role of the Ministry of Home Affairs and CAPFs in implementing environmental policies. GS 3 (Environment & Ecology) : Large‑scale afforestation, its impact on carbon sequestration, and urban greening. GS 4 (Ethics) :
Quick Reference
Key Insight
CAPFs drive afforestation, planting 6.68 million saplings – a security‑environment synergy for UPSC.
Key Facts
- CAPFs ने 2020 से 31‑Dec‑2025 तक 6,684,570 पौधे लगाए।
- क्षेत्र में रोपण से पहले पौधों को बढ़ाने के लिए 3,212 नर्सरी बनाई गईं।
- राज्य और UT में शहीदों को समर्पित 1,995 ‘Vatikas’ (बाग) बनाए गए।
- Nagaland ने सबसे अधिक 6,116,030 पौधे योगदान किए; Andaman & Nicobar ने 6,990 पौधे जोड़े।
- Assam Rifles ने 299 नर्सरी और 140 Vatikas संचालित किए; CISF ने 291 नर्सरी और 256 Vatikas प्रबंधित किए।
- डेटा MoS Shri Nityanand Rai द्वारा राजसभा में लिखित उत्तर में प्रकट किया गया।
- यह पहल Ministry of Home Affairs के तहत आंतरिक सुरक्षा बलों को पर्यावरण संरक्षण से जोड़ती है।
Background
Afforestation is a key climate‑action measure under India’s National Forest Policy and the Paris Agreement. By mobilising CAPFs, the Ministry of Home Affairs integrates internal security resources with environmental goals, reflecting a multi‑sectoral governance approach covered in GS‑3 (Environment) and GS‑2 (Polity).
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Border management and organized crime
- GS3 — Various security forces and agencies
- GS3 — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Mains Angle
GS‑3: Discuss how the deployment of CAPFs for large‑scale plantation enhances India’s climate‑action and disaster‑management capabilities. A possible question could ask to evaluate the role of security forces in achieving environmental sustainability.