Forest Department's Remarkable Success: 25,000 Saplings Transform Barren Land into Thriving Forest in Just One Year

On June 9, Parveen Kaswan shared a video update on his official social media account, showcasing the dramatic transformation of a land parcel where his team planted 25,000 saplings in June last year. The footage reveals dense greenery, thriving vegetation, and rapidly growing trees covering the area that was previously devoid of forest cover.

Providing details of the project, Kaswan stated that the plantation drive was carefully designed to support a natural ecosystem rather than creating a monoculture. A total of 30 different native tree species were planted across the site to ensure ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

According to the Forest Department's assessment, the results have exceeded expectations. One year after plantation, the survival rate of the saplings has remained between 98 percent and 100 percent. The average height of the trees has already reached approximately six feet, demonstrating exceptional growth within a relatively short period.

Kaswan also shared an interesting wildlife-related aspect of the project. He noted that the fruit of the Chalta tree is highly favored by elephants, which is why it is commonly referred to as the "Elephant Apple." The inclusion of such species is expected to contribute positively to local wildlife habitats and ecological diversity.

In this monsoon they will pick good growth. All visible and established. pic.twitter.com/8vixYXrhy1

— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) June 7, 2026

As vegetation density continues to increase, shrubs and undergrowth have also expanded rapidly beneath the young trees. To maintain healthy growth conditions, Forest Department personnel are carrying out regular clearing and maintenance operations across the plantation site.

Expressing optimism about future growth, Kaswan stated that the ongoing monsoon season of June 2026 is expected to accelerate the development of the plantation even further. He emphasized that the saplings are now firmly established, with root systems securely anchored in the ground, allowing them to withstand environmental challenges more effectively.

The visual evidence shared through the project update has generated widespread appreciation online, with many observers praising the Forest Department team's scientific planning, consistent monitoring, and dedicated fieldwork. The success of the initiative has reinforced the importance of post-plantation care and demonstrated how sustained management can significantly improve survival rates and long-term ecological outcomes. The project stands as a powerful example of how carefully executed afforestation efforts can rapidly restore green cover and strengthen environmental conservation.