Mega Tree Plantation Drive in Faridabad Under ‘Namo Van’ Initiative; Haryana CM Saini Pledges Greener, Cleaner Future

Faridabad, October 2: Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini today inaugurated a mega tree plantation drive at Faridabad as part of the state’s ambitious Namo Van initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Haryana greener, cleaner, and more sustainable.

Speaking at the event, CM Saini emphasized that development and environmental protection go hand in hand. “Today’s plantation drive in Faridabad is a decisive step towards balanced growth, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of nature,” he said. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries by offering floral tributes.

The plantation took place in the Green Belt area of Sector 9 under the Haryana Urban Development Authority, with Revenue and Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal and Food & Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar participating. The drive forms part of a larger plan to establish 75 Namo Van sites across Haryana, aimed at promoting environmental protection and biodiversity.

CM Saini highlighted that the drive will also develop the Birds of Green Corridor within the Green Biodiversity Corridor, supporting local wildlife alongside extensive plantation. “Participation from citizens shows that every Haryana resident understands their responsibility toward the environment. This initiative will create a healthy, clean ecosystem for future generations,” he added.

Referring to the significance of trees, Saini said, “Trees are not just sources of wood; they are the foundation of life. Without them, clean air, adequate rainfall, and the continuity of life are impossible. This drive symbolizes our gratitude to nature and commitment to a sustainable future.”

The Chief Minister also noted Faridabad’s pivotal role in the state’s economy, crediting entrepreneurs, workers, and businesses for driving rapid growth. However, he stressed the need to give back to nature, citing global warming and climate change as urgent threats that require immediate tree plantation and forest development measures.

Under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024, Haryana exceeded its initial target of planting 1.6 crore saplings by planting 1.87 crore. The second phase, launched on June 5 this year, aims to plant another 1.6 crore saplings. Currently, the Forest Department has planted 1.45 crore saplings, with other departments contributing an additional 50 lakh, reflecting the government’s aim to make every corner of Haryana green.

CM Saini also highlighted the implementation of the Green Aravalli Action Plan in southern Haryana, covering five districts within the state as part of a four-state initiative to conserve Aravalli hills. The plan includes 56 herbal parks, four urban forests, and 18 oxygen-rich zones to promote medicinal plant conservation and biodiversity.

Revenue & Disaster Management and Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal stated that the Namo Van program is dedicated to PM Modi’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. He said over 3.5 lakh saplings have already been planted under the drive, with a long-term plan to plant more than 20 lakh trees across Faridabad district to create an oxygen-rich environment.

Food & Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar added that the plantation drive encourages citizens to actively participate in the Prime Minister’s initiative, making Faridabad a greener city. The event was attended by prominent leaders including Ballabhgarh MLA and former minister Moolchand Sharma, Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi, BJP district president Pankaj Rampal, CM’s media advisor Rajiv Jetley, officials, and other dignitaries.