India’s First Forest University in Gorakhpur

• 20 Dec 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the establishment of India’s first dedicated forest university in Gorakhpur, with an investment of about ₹500 crore, aimed at promoting forestry, wildlife and environmental education and research. 

Key Points 

• Approval & Cost: The state government has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the forest university, with an estimated expenditure of ₹500 crore. 
• Location: The university will be developed in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on about 125 acres of land near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre.  
• Academic Focus: The university will provide specialised degree and diploma courses in forestry, agroforestry, social forestry, horticulture, wildlife studies, ecology, and environmental sciences. 
• Curriculum & Training: The academic framework will integrate classroom instruction with field-based practical research, ensuring hands-on exposure to forests and conservation sites. 
• Infrastructure Plan: The campus will feature separate student hostels, classrooms, laboratories, an administrative block, an auditorium, and residential facilities for faculty.  
• National Importance: Once operational, the university will serve as a national centre for forest education, conservation research and training, enhancing India’s environmental protection and sustainability capacity. 
• UP ISFR 2023 Report: Uttar Pradesh recorded the second-highest increase in green cover (forest + tree cover) in India, adding 559.19 sq km, with its total green cover reaching 9.96% of its geographical area.