Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the second phase of the 77th State-Level Van Mahotsav in Manesar, Gurugram, calling for collective action to safeguard the environment. Addressing the gathering alongside Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and State Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh, the Chief Minister announced that Van Mahotsav events will be organized across all ninety assembly constituencies in the state. Under the ongoing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, Haryana has set an ambitious target to plant 1.40 crore saplings during the 2026-27 financial year, emphasizing that planting trees must be viewed as an emotional and cultural movement rather than a mere government routine.
Highlighting ongoing ecological efforts, Chief Minister Saini detailed key achievements including the development of seventy-five Namo Parks, the creation of Oxy-Vans across district headquarters, and the establishment of Panchvati groves in rural areas and historic pilgrimage sites. He also spotlighted the state’s ‘Pran Vayu Devta Scheme’, which provides an annual pension of 3,000 rupees for the maintenance of 5,360 ancient trees, alongside active contributions from 610 local Van Mitras. Stressing the balance between rapid urbanization and natural preservation, he urged citizens and industries to nurture planted saplings into fully grown trees over time.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav commended Haryana’s leadership in transforming the NCR region into a model for environmental conservation and groundwater recharge, pointing to the protection of the Aravalli range and Ramar sites like Sultanpur National Park. State Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh further urged the public to treat every sapling like a family member and encouraged adopting digital invitations for social events to conserve paper, reduce fuel consumption, and protect forests.
