Chandigarh, July 28- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that nature is the very basis of life, and protecting it must always remain our top priority. In today’s fast-paced race for modern development, Van Mahotsav reminds us that true progress lies in living in harmony with nature rather than exploiting it. Every tree we plant is a new source of life and a symbol of hope, he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking after attending the state-level Van Mahotsav as the Chief Guest at Kalesar in Yamunanagar on Monday. On this occasion, he planted saplings, inaugurated the newly built rest house of the Forest Department, and earlier in the day, offered prayers to Lord Shiva at Kaleshwar Mahadev Math Temple, seeking prosperity and well-being for the state.
The Chief Minister described Van Mahotsav as a mark of gratitude towards nature, an acceptance of our duty, and a pledge to ensure a healthy future for the coming generations. Referring to Kalesar, he said the region holds immense ecological importance and is also an attractive destination for tourists, nature lovers, and trekkers. The government, he informed, is working to develop the entire stretch from Kalka to Kalesar into a major tourism hub.
Target to plant 2.10 crore Saplings in Haryana this year
Highlighting the government’s efforts to increase forest cover, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi launched the unique campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024. In the first phase, Haryana had set a target of 1.6 crore saplings but surpassed it by planting 1.87 crore saplings. The second phase of the campaign started this year on June 5, with a target of 90 lakh saplings. Alongside, under other schemes, the state aims to plant another 1.2 crore saplings this year, making a total of 2.10 crore new plantations across Haryana.
Tough Steps Against Illegal Cutting and for Wildlife Protection
The Chief Minister said that special schemes have also been started to promote urban forestry so that cities can have more greenery. The government has taken strict action to curb illegal tree felling and ensure wildlife protection. Instructions have been given to the Forest Department to work more actively in this direction. Strong security arrangements have been made at Kalesar National Park, where illegal hunting has been completely banned. As a result, herds of 8 to 10 elephants were sighted in the park during April, October, and February last year. Elephants have also been rehabilitated in Bansantor. To build public sensitivity towards wildlife and forests, facilities such as jeep safaris and children’s study tours have been started in the area, said the Chief Minister.
Water Conservation Projects Benefiting Wildlife
The Chief Minister shared that the government has launched the Green Aravalli Action Plan for South Haryana. Jointly implemented by the central and state governments, this project will cover the Aravalli ranges in four states, including Haryana. Out of the 29 districts selected, five are in Haryana. Dams have been constructed in hilly areas, especially in the Shivalik region, to conserve water. These dams not only provide drinking water for wildlife but also play an important role in improving groundwater levels, he said.
18 crore trees Planted Since 2014; “Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme” launched
The Chief Minister said that the state government has started the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme as a mark of respect for trees older than 75 years. Under this scheme, Rs. 3,000 per year is given for the maintenance of each tree. So far, Rs. 1 crore has been transferred to the accounts of caretakers of 3,800 such trees. Since October 2014, approximately 18 crore saplings have been planted in Haryana. He added that geo-tagging and drone mapping would be conducted for existing and new plantations for five years to monitor their growth, ensuring an increase in forest cover.
CM release of Forest Awareness Booklets
The Chief Minister also released Haryana Forest News and Pran Vayu Devta booklets. He said these booklets are part of awareness efforts to promote forest conservation. Haryana Forest News will share information about departmental activities, new initiatives, achievements, and challenges, while Pran Vayu Devta will provide knowledge about the importance of trees, their benefits, and methods for their protection.
On this occasion, Environment and Forest Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said that the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign launched by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi would have a far-reaching impact, and people should not only plant trees but also take responsibility for nurturing them.
MLA, Sh. Ghanshyam Dass Arora also appealed to citizens to care for planted trees for at least a year, emphasizing that trees are life-givers and essential for preventing environmental degradation.
The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed at the event by the Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Saran and local leaders with bouquets.
Principal Chief Conservator, Forests, Sh. Vineet Kumar Garg, former Cabinet Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Parth Gupta, and several other officers and local representatives were also present on this occasion.
