Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Governor and Union Territory Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria stated that India’s rich culture and deep-rooted respect for nature have always gone hand in hand, emphasizing that forests sustain life while culture nurtures values. Speaking at a cultural evening organized as part of Van Mahotsav 2026 alongside his wife, Anita Kataria, the Governor described the environment as the source of everything essential for life and urged every citizen to actively contribute toward its protection.
The themed cultural event featured a welcome song, an environmental conservation skit, and diverse dance performances, including Punjabi, Haryanvi, Kathak, Rajasthani, and cultural fusion dances. Every presentation was centered on environmental protection, successfully leveraging India’s rich cultural heritage to promote ecological awareness. Addressing the gathering, Kataria stressed that Van Mahotsav is a crucial national movement for safeguarding nature rather than just a tree plantation campaign. He noted that the ultimate success of such drives depends on the survival of the saplings, calling on citizens, youth, and local Eco Clubs to actively nurture every newly planted tree until it fully matures.
The Governor highlighted Chandigarh’s outstanding environmental achievements, noting that over 72,000 saplings were planted across the city on the very first day of Van Mahotsav 2026. He also praised the Forest and Wildlife Department’s innovative deployment of three mobile plant distribution vehicles designed to deliver saplings directly to residents. Due to these sustained ecological efforts, Chandigarh’s air quality has seen immense improvement, with the city rising from 27th to 8th position in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025 among cities with a population exceeding one million.
Kataria further highlighted the successful transformation of Daddu Majra, describing it as a benchmark model of environmental restoration achieved through coordinated, dedicated action. He expressed deep gratitude to the sanitation workers, volunteers, non-governmental organizations, and administrative stakeholders whose relentless hard work transformed the Daddu Majra dumping ground into a symbol of clean environmental renewal. The event was attended by senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, including Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar, and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Amit Kumar, alongside notable local artists and environmentalists.
