Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said protecting nature and environment is not merely a government initiative but the responsibility of every citizen. Amidst continuous development, we must not forget that the basis of life lies in nature and trees. Issues like climate change, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures can only be addressed through large-scale tree plantation and their protection, which is essential for securing our future. The Haryana Government has set ambitious targets in this regard, including planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state under various campaigns, to be achieved with collective efforts.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav organized at Seonsar in Kurukshetra district today. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Flora & Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari. He also released the ‘Triphala’ booklet. On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted saplings to give a message of environmental protection. During the ceremony, he also unveiled the Haryana Wildlife Map, Kurukshetra Wildlife Map, and five books prepared by the Forest Department.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav is not just an event, but a symbol of gratitude towards nature, responsibility and a resolve to ensure a happy future for generations to come. This is the third event in the series of this year’s State-Level Van Mahotsav celebrations. Various programmes are also being held at the district level across the state, with active participation from local people and students.
He said Van Mahotsav means a festival of forests, a tribute to nature, and an expansion of greenery. It reminds us that trees are not just a source of wood but the foundation of life. He said while we are moving ahead rapidly in the race for modernity, Van Mahotsav reminds us not to exploit nature but to learn to coexist with it. Recognizing the importance of trees, the government has launched several plantation drives, which have yielded positive results. Many plans have been formulated to increase forest cover.
He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had also launched a unique campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, on June 5, 2024, on World Environment Day at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. In the first phase of this campaign, a target of planting 1.60 crore saplings in Haryana was set, but the state exceeded the target by planting 1.87 crore saplings. This year, on June 5, the second phase of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” began, with a target of 2.10 crore saplings. Since October 2014, about 18 crore saplings have been planted in the state.
The government has also started special schemes to promote urban forestry so that greenery can be increased in cities. In addition, strict measures have been taken to prevent illegal felling of trees and to protect wildlife. The Forest Department has been instructed to be more proactive in this direction. To make society more sensitive towards forests and wildlife, facilities such as jeep safaris and children’s study tours have been arranged at Kalesar. The ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ has also been launched in South Haryana. This joint project of the Central and State Governments will be implemented in the Aravalli hills of four states, including Haryana, covering 29 districts, five of which are in Haryana.
The state government has also launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to express gratitude towards trees older than 75 years. Under this scheme, an annual pension of Rs 3,000 per tree is given for their maintenance. So far, Rs 1 crore has been deposited in the accounts of caretakers of 3,800 such trees.
For the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants, herbal parks have been developed in various districts. An international-level medicinal forest has been developed in the Morni area. Besides, oxy-vans have also been established in districts.
The Chief Minister appealed to gram panchayats, municipal bodies, and social organizations to turn tree plantation into a mass movement. Students in schools and colleges should be made aware of environmental issues, encouraged to plant trees, and take care of them. Children must be connected to nature from an early age so that they grow up understanding its importance.
He expressed confidence that together, we can build a society where nature and humans coexist, and where development and environmental protection go hand in hand. It is our moral responsibility to leave behind a healthy and green future for the coming generations.
Opposition earlier blamed EVMs, now running a new agenda of ‘vote theft’
The Chief Minister said under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has progressed rapidly over the past 11 years, but the opposition always criticizes the government’s work. He said it is concerning that the opposition’s role today is only to find faults. Taking a jibe, he said the party which ruled the country for 55 years and was shown the door by the people for failing to meet their expectations, used to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) earlier, but now, it has come up with a new agenda of ‘vote chori’. Someone should tell them that votes were not stolen, rather, the people rejected them because of their wrongdoings.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that through Operation Sindoor, our brave soldiers destroyed terrorist camps running in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the opposition even questioned the bravery of our soldiers, which is regrettable. He said the Prime Minister is continuously working to take India forward and has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047.
Van Mahotsav is not just a day for plantation, but opportunity to connect culture, nature and tourism: Naveen Jindal
On the occasion, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said today is not just a day for plantation, but an opportunity to connect our culture, nature, and tourism together. Trees are not only a symbol of greenery, but also the foundation of life. They provide pure air, conserve water sources, protect biodiversity, and help increase farmers’ income.
He said the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has been strongly promoted in Haryana by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, with enthusiastic public participation. Continuing this initiative, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Forest Nature Education Resort at Seonsar. Upon completion, this area will become an ideal model for environmental protection and tourism.
The MP urged the Chief Minister to develop this area as a wildlife sanctuary so that people can experience wildlife and natural beauty here. He appealed to the youth to plant trees and take care of them, and also administered a pledge to all citizens to plant at least five trees every year.
Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, Vice Chairman of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Dhooman Singh Kirmach, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.
