Chandigarh, August 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that in our pursuit of modernity and development, we must not exploit nature but instead strive to live in harmony with it. Since 2014, approximately 18 crore saplings have been planted across the state.
Speaking at a public event organized under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in village Baland, district Rohtak, the Chief Minister informed that 1.80 crore saplings have already been planted in the first phase of the campaign, which was initiated by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. The second phase now aims to plant an additional 2.10 crore saplings.
*Campaign 2.0 Launched from the Aravalli Hills*
Highlighting the government’s efforts to expand forest cover in Haryana, Sh. Saini shared that the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign was launched from the Aravalli region. Plantation drives have also been carried out under Van Mahotsav in areas such as Morni, Kalesar, Siosar, and the Jungle Safari in Gurugram. As part of the ongoing efforts, 5,100 aplings were planted in Baland village alone. The Chief Minister also mentioned the innovative Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, under which trees that are over 75 years old are being honored with a pension of Rs3,000 per year for their maintenance.
Mr. Saini called upon all citizens to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment. He urged families to actively participate in the tree plantation campaign and turn it into a mass movement. Children should be connected with nature from an early age so they grow up with a deep respect for trees and the environment, he said.
He appealed to every family to make a habit of planting and nurturing a sapling on every happy occasion, such as birthdays and family celebrations, and contribute meaningfully to making Haryana greener.
On this occasion, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badauli and other dignitaries were also present.
