Lucknow, July 9 -- The Uttar Pradesh forest department has allocated 50 percent of the total 38.7 lakh saplings for plantation in rapidly urbanising areas such as Mohanlalganj, Sarojininagar and Malihabad as part of Van Mahotsav. Once considered rural pockets of the state capital, these areas are now witnessing a surge in residential colonies and commercial complexes.

According to Lucknow divisional forest officer (DFO) Sheetanshu Pandey, around 9 lakh saplings will be planted in Mohanlalganj, 6 lakh in Sarojininagar tehsil and approximately 4 lakh in Malihabad.

Speaking about available space for plantation, DFO Pandey said, "The BrahMos green belt area in Sarojininagar spans about 20 to 21 hectares. We have a substantial area available...