State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 20 Dec 2025

India’s First Forest University in Gorakhpur

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.