Home / Environment / Bihar's Green Cover Blooms: Exceeds 15.5% Mark
Bihar's Green Cover Blooms: Exceeds 15.5% Mark
23 Mar
Summary
- Bihar's total green cover now surpasses 15.5% of its area.
- Over 21.25 crore saplings planted since 2019 under JJHM.
- Very dense forest areas saw a sharp proportional increase.
Bihar's total green cover has now surpassed 15.5%, marking a significant environmental achievement for the state. The ongoing Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission (JJHM) has been instrumental in this growth, complementing existing afforestation efforts. Between 2011 and 2023, the state's forest cover alone expanded by 689 square kilometers.
The JJHM, launched in 2019, has seen the planting of over 21.25 crore saplings. This intensive drive has led to an increase in very dense forest areas, rising from 231 to 387 square kilometers between 2011 and 2023. The mission has also generated employment for women through nursery management and the cultivation of fruit and shade plants.
As of March 23, 2026, the government aims to reach 17% green cover by 2028. This ambitious target, if met with sustained effort, could see Bihar closing the gap with the national average and demonstrating the impact of focused community-driven initiatives on both the environment and local livelihoods.
