Chandigarh, November 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that whenever the names of those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the nation and religion are mentioned, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s name is taken foremost. To inspire future generations from his life and deeds, the 350th martyrdom year is being observed across the state.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was inaugurating the Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Block named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kalesar in Yamunanagar on the occasion of his Martyrdom Day. The Chief Minister planted 350 saplings with students in the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Forest and Wildlife Conservation Block. He also inaugurated the safari trail in the national park and unveiled the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gate.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for an AI-based monitoring tower, a tree canopy walk, and three-level watchtowers. He further announced that the Agriculture College to be built on 45 acres in Pratappur and Kishanpura of Yamunanagar would be named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He also announced checking the feasibility of the Kapalmochan–Yamunanagar bypass road and its construction.
The Chief Minister said we are witnessing a historic moment where this block will become a symbol of the confluence of nature, spirituality, and human values. He bowed in reverence to Hind Ki Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He said this forest will become a milestone in the state’s forest conservation and biodiversity enhancement efforts, and it will carry forward the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s love for the environment.
The Chief Minister said that Hind Ki Chadar, the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, is an embodiment of sacrifice, compassion, and courage. He taught the world that true strength lies in protecting others. True religion is that which shows equal love towards nature, life, and humanity. Nature is an inseparable part of his personality. Therefore, establishing this Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Block in Kalesar in his name is a living representation of his teachings.
The Chief Minister said that in Indian culture, forests have been centers of education, meditation, and public welfare. The ashram tradition and the Guru tradition have always been based on nature. Many trees are associated with Sikh history and connected to the life of Guru Ji. Among them, the Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree is a symbol of peace and refuge during times of distress. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, we must prioritize cleanliness, plantation, and wildlife conservation to face today’s challenges. For this, several schemes are being run to increase forest cover in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the goal is to make every corner of Haryana green. We are not just planting trees, we are planting life—natural filters that purify the air. We are strengthening the roots that hold our earth together and prevent it from turning barren.
He said that under the unique campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, a total of 1.87 crore saplings were planted. Under the second phase this year, another 2.10 crore saplings have been planted. Since 2014, a total of 18 crore trees have been planted.
The Chief Minister said that special schemes have also been launched to promote urban forestry so that greenery increases in cities too. The government has taken strict steps to prevent illegal tree felling and to protect wildlife. The Green Aravalli Action Plan has also been launched in South Haryana. This project, prepared by the Central and State Governments, is being implemented across the four states of the Aravalli Hills, including five districts of Haryana.
He said that modern technology is also being used for the protection of saplings planted by the Forest Department. Strict monitoring is done for five years on the growth of previously planted and newly planted saplings. Besides this, herbal parks have been developed in various districts for the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants. An international-level medicinal forest has been set up in the Morni area, and Oxy-vans have been created in Karnal, Panchkula, and Sonipat districts.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that children must be connected with nature from childhood so they can easily understand the importance of trees as they grow. Every school should adopt nature education, and every family must plant at least one sapling. He said every youth should adopt and protect a tree like a guardian, and every institution should turn this forest campaign into a public movement—only then can the state be made greener.
On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA Sh. Ghanshyam Das Arora, BJP State Vice President Banto Kataria, former minister Sh. Kanwar Pal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vineet Garg, Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Vivek Saxena, Chairman Haryana State Biodiversity Board Randeep Singh Johar, OSD to CM Prabhleen Singh, along with many distinguished citizens were present.
