Haryana Launches State-Level Wildlife Week 2025 in Gurugram; 500-Acre Tree Plantation Drive Begins

Gurugram, October 2: Haryana today inaugurated the ‘State-Level Wildlife Week 2025’ at the Aravalli region in Manesar, highlighting wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental awareness. The event was held at the Ram Mandir premises, with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav as the chief guest. Haryana’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh presided over the programme.

During his address, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav urged Gurugram residents to participate in the Aravalli Green Wall campaign every Sunday. He emphasized that even dedicating one hour per week to planting and nurturing trees can significantly enhance greenery, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier environment. Yadav highlighted that widespread participation would help Gurugram emerge as a model green city, setting national and international benchmarks for urban environmental sustainability.

Rao Narbir Singh stressed the critical role of wildlife in environmental balance. He said the Aravalli, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, is not only a natural heritage but also a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. “Protecting forests ensures the survival of wildlife, which in turn maintains ecological balance. Every citizen must take responsibility for the protection of animals, birds, and forests,” he added. The minister also urged citizens to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, emphasizing the need to nurture planted trees like children for at least five years.

As part of the celebrations, the Namo Van initiative saw the plantation of 750 saplings, marking the start of a 500-acre tree plantation drive. Participants pledged to care for the planted trees to ensure a thriving green ecosystem in the years ahead.

In addition, the Aravalli Species Nursery was inaugurated at the Shani Mandir premises in Manesar. The nursery will cultivate, conserve, and supply local plant species for the Green Aravalli campaign, supporting both greenery expansion and wildlife habitat preservation.

Several key publications on Haryana’s biodiversity and environmental conservation were released during the event, including Haryana’s Wildlife Heritage, 75 Common Trees of Haryana, 75 Local Birds of Haryana, 75 Waterbirds, 75 Wild Animals, 75 Butterflies, Jatayu Ki Kahani – Saving India’s Vultures, Sultanpur National Park Coffee Table Book, Mangar Bani Landscape – Human-Leopard Coexistence, Gurugram Cooling Action Plan, and Wild Haryana News and Trailer.

Wildlife enthusiasts, department personnel, and contributors to environmental awareness initiatives were felicitated for their exceptional efforts in promoting conservation.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, ADG Santosh Tiwari, ACS Environment Sudhir Rajpal, PCCF Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Vivek Saxena, PCCF Vineet Garg, Chairman of Haryana State Biodiversity Board Randeep Singh Johar, Gurugram Divisional Forest Officer Subhash Yadav, and other officials.