Chandigarh, August 2 – Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Energy, Manohar Lal said that while Gurugram is globally recognized for its rapid development, it is now essential to strike a balance between progress and nature. He emphasized the importance of not only planting trees but also nurturing them for at least five to six years to ensure their growth and sustainability.
He made these remarks while addressing the Van Mahotsav celebration held to mark the development of Matri Van under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in Sector 54, Gurugram, on Saturday.
On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone of Matri Van by planting saplings along with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Initiated by Haryana Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Matri Van will be developed across 750 acres in the Aravalli mountain range near Sector 54. The Matri Van will feature a diverse range of native species, including Banyan, Peepal, Gular, Bael Patra, Tamarind, Pilkhan, Neem, Bamboo, flowering plants, and medicinal herbs. Invasive Choti Kabuli Kikar species will be cleared to restore the ecological balance. Additionally, the project will include the development of Nakshatra Vatika, Rashi Vatika, a Cactus Garden, and a Butterfly Park within the Matri Van.
The Union Energy Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. He urged that this initiative aimed at making the Earth greener should be deeply embedded in our culture.
Highlighting the environmental impact of carbon emissions, he said that an average person emits approximately one kilogram of carbon daily, while a single tree can absorb only 60 to 90 grams per day. This means that each individual needs around 15 to 16 trees to offset their carbon footprint over a lifetime. In this context, he underlined the significance of initiatives like Gurugram’s Matri Van, adding that such green projects are vital not only for improving the environment of Gurugram but also for contributing to cleaner air in the national capital, Delhi.
The Union Minister said that while Gurugram is widely known for its industrial growth, there is also an urgent need to promote tourism in the region. To this end, several ambitious projects are being planned. A Jungle Safari will be developed in Gurugram, and an Anand Van—modeled after New York’s Central Park—will be created over 125 acres by HSIIDC. Additionally, a Disneyland spread across 500 to 600 acres, Disneyland on the lines of Singapore or a big aquarium will be built in Sector 29 will be built. Plans are also underway to construct a world-class convention center and to develop a dedicated vending zone to support destination-based street vending. The existing Biodiversity Park will be further enhanced as part of this tourism push. These initiatives will be brought to life through detailed discussions and coordination with Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.
Matri Van to Serve as the ‘Green Heart’ of Delhi-NCR: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh Bhupender Yadav stated that the upcoming Matri Van being developed across 750 acres in Gurugram will serve as the “Green Heart” of the entire Delhi-NCR region in the near future. He emphasized that the forest will not only stand as a symbol of environmental protection but will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s green development. While addressing the launch event of the Matri Van Abhiyan, the Union Minister called for transforming Gurugram into a model city. He highlighted the progress of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and said that over the past two years, concerted efforts have been made to rejuvenate the Aravalli region through this initiative.
He further informed that under the Green Aravalli Project, saplings of indigenous species are being cultivated in 29 districts across five states, with an ideal nursery model under development. Work has already commenced in three of these districts. The Union Minister also suggested that the Haryana Forest Department develop a butterfly park modeled on the one in Coimbatore, with a special focus on medicinal plants. He said that Matri Van has the potential to become a major tourist destination in the future, and therefore, planning and infrastructure should be carefully managed from the outset. In his address, he also emphasized the importance of public participation and collective responsibility in environmental efforts, urging people to actively engage in nationwide campaigns such as Mission Life and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, both spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi.
Local Plant Species to Be Prioritized in Matri Van; Tangible Results Expected in 10 Years: Rao Narbir Singh
Haryana’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the Aravalli mountain range one of the oldest in the world which passes through Haryana. However, he said that the proliferation of Kabuli Kikar, an invasive species, has limited the ecological benefits of the region. To restore the natural biodiversity, the Minister said that priority will be given to planting native species such as Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Gular, and others in the 750-acre Matri Van, being developed by the Haryana Forest Department. He highlighted that this project is a collective endeavor and expressed confidence that meaningful environmental improvements will be visible within the next 10 years.
Rao Narbir Singh urged citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment. He emphasized that as a key district within the NCR, Gurugram holds significant influence. “If we take meaningful initiatives here, other districts will be inspired to follow our lead,” he said, calling for collective responsibility and public engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
