Chandigarh, September 16: Haryana has taken a significant step to combat pollution and reduce carbon emissions by launching key initiatives focused on environmental protection. As part of this effort, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today launched the State Environment Plan 2025–26 and released the non-CO₂ Pathway Report 2025–26. This initiative will prove to be a milestone in sustainable development and environmental conservation in the state. The implementation of the Plan will help improve air quality, lower pollution levels, and ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for the citizens of Haryana. Moreover, it positions Haryana as a frontrunner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and international levels.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the launch event of the State Environment Plan 2025–26, held in Panchkula on Tuesday. Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh was also present on the occasion.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana has become the first state in the country to undertake such a comprehensive initiative for a clean environment. He emphasized that the State Environment Plan is not the responsibility of just one or two departments; rather, it requires the coordinated efforts of multiple departments. To facilitate this, a high-level committee will be constituted to coordinate between various departments and monitor the progress. The committee will ensure that all departments operate in mission mode, move forward full transparency and accountability, and actively involve public participation.
The Chief Minister said that the ongoing deforestation and shrinking of forests are causing environmental imbalances, whose adverse effects are already impacting humanity. The State Environment Plan is a significant step toward ensuring clean air, pure water, and a green earth for future generations. To address the challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and rising pollution levels, the state government has developed and implemented a comprehensive plan in collaboration with experts. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of conserving vital resources such as water, air, and soil.
He said that there have been some political figures who used to talk about cleaning the garbage while standing on the dumping ground merely to seek applause. But the garbage was never cleaned, instead, they played with the lives of the people, which in itself contributed to a form of pollution. In contrast, over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, significant and sustained efforts have been made to manage and ensure proper disposal of waste.
Plan to establish 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plants across the State for effective waste disposal
The Chief Minister said that currently, 5,600 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily in the cities of Haryana. While 77 percent of this waste is being properly disposed of, 23 percent of the waste is yet to be managed. To address this issue, a plan has been developed to establish 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plants across the state. Additionally, efforts are underway to clean up garbage that has accumulated in dumping grounds over the years. So far, 50 percent of this accumulated waste has been scientifically disposed of and work on the rest is also going on at a fast pace.
Government aims to set up e-Waste Collection Centers in every district for proper disposal of electronic waste
The Chief Minister said that electronic waste poses a significant challenge today. To address this, 42 e-waste recyclers are currently operating in the state. Moving forward, the government plans to establish e-waste collection centers in every district.
He also highlighted that approximately 22 tonnes of biomedical waste generated daily from around 7,000 hospitals in the state is being fully disposed of through 11 common biomedical waste treatment facilities. Additionally, a common waste management site has been established in Pali, Faridabad, to handle hazardous waste from industries. This facility ensures the safe disposal of hazardous waste generated throughout the state.
500 electric buses to be purchased for Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat under Clean Air Project
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that to tackle the significant challenge of air pollution, the state government has launched the Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development with a budget of Rs 3,600 crore in collaboration with the World Bank. As part of this initiative, 500 electric buses will be procured for Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat. Additionally, subsidies will be provided for electric autos. Subsidy will also be given for gas-powered generators, gas boilers, and advanced monitoring equipment in place of diesel generators.
He said that the government has already initiated the plan to operate electric buses in the state’s cities. The procurement process for 375 electric buses for city bus services is underway. So far, 50 buses have been received, with 105 more expected soon. Additionally, over 370 EV charging stations have been installed across the state to support electric vehicles.
He said that stubble burning has also been a major contributor to air pollution. To address this issue, farmers have been educated and provided with over 100,000 machines for stubble management. As a result, incidents of stubble burning have decreased by 90 percent since 2016.
Plan to set up 18 air quality stations
The Chief Minister said that to control industrial pollution, the use of clean fuels such as CNG and PNG has been actively promoted. Air quality is being continuously monitored through 29 automatic and 46 manual air quality monitoring stations currently operating in the state. Additionally, there are plans to establish 18 more stations in the near future.
In addition, concrete steps have been taken to prevent water pollution. Awareness campaigns are underway, and efforts are being made to clean polluted water and make it reusable. Currently, the state has a total sewage treatment capacity of 2,343 MLD, of which 74 percent is utilized. The government aims to achieve 100 percent utilization by connecting all discharge points to the sewerage network. At present, 201 sewage treatment plants are operational in Haryana, and the treated water from these plants is being maximally reused.
He said that, alongside rainwater, water from the sewage treatment plants of Rewari and Dharuhera is collected in the Masani Barrage of Rewari. This water is treated and reused for farming and other purposes. Additionally, 27 schemes have been prepared to use treated sewage water for irrigation, of which 11 have been completed. These initiatives will provide a permanent water source for irrigation, reduce pressure on canal systems, and help curb groundwater exploitation. The state government is developing Masani Barrage as a pilot project to replicate this model across the entire state. Furthermore, a target has been set to rejuvenate ponds throughout Haryana by 2026. The government has also implemented several measures to regulate mining activities and monitor noise pollution, ensuring that natural resource exploitation remains balanced and compliant with regulations.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has launched the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. He urged everyone to pledge for a clean environment by saving water, planting trees, and maintaining cleanliness.
Environmental protection is the need of the hour: Rao Narbir Singh
Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that pollution is one of the most pressing issues of our time. If concrete steps are not taken promptly, life for future generations will become increasingly difficult.
He emphasized that the problem cannot be solved through paper plans and formal meetings alone. Effective implementation of policies on the ground and public awareness are essential. He pointed out that one of the biggest challenges is waste segregation. Not only this, the plastic pollution remains a serious concern. He said that this issue cannot be resolved merely through fines or penalties. True change is only possible when citizens become aware and voluntarily reduce the use of plastic.
Rao Narbir Singh said that one of the primary causes of pollution and sewer blockages in cities is the improper disposal of polythene and waste. He urged citizens to stop using polythene and to dispose of garbage only at designated locations. Expressing concern over tree cutting for card printing and highlighting the importance of oxygen and environmental conservation, he suggested that digital invitations be adopted for weddings and other social events in place of traditional printed cards.
The Environment Minister said that effective pollution control requires collective and sustained efforts from the government, departments, NGOs, and the general public. He emphasized that while change can be enforced temporarily through government measures, lasting improvement will only occur when individuals recognize that their own health and well-being are at risk and take responsibility for protecting the environment.
On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh Sudhir Rajpal; Chairman of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh Vineet Garg; former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Gian Chand Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma, Media Secretary to CM Sh Parveen Atrey and other dignitaries were also present.
