Chandigarh, June 20: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development and the Haryana AI Development Project have been prepared to provide better facilities to the people.

The Chief Minister was reviewing the progress of the Clean Air and AI projects launched in the state on Saturday. Chief Principal Secretary to CM Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary CRID J. Ganesan, Joint Secretary Deepak Kumar, CRID CPO Nitin Bansal, Ninad Rajput, Pulin Singh, Sangar Jain and several senior officers were present in the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹3,647 crore would be spent under the Haryana Clean Air Project. Nine departments, including the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Service, Haryana City Bus Service, Development and Panchayats Department, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Transport Department, Industries and Commerce Department and Urban Local Bodies Department, will work jointly on the project.

He said that an Arjun SPV would be constituted and review meetings would be held every three months to ensure timely completion of the projects and to provide benefits to the public at the earliest.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Haryana AI Development Programme, a State AI Data Centre is being established in Panchkula and the Global Artificial Intelligence Centre (GAIC) in Gurugram. These projects will involve an investment of ₹474 crore. Haryana will have its own AI State Data Centre, where transparent and accurate data will be collected and matched through PPP. Besides this, two Centres of Excellence are being established at a cost of ₹40 crore to provide skill courses and collaborative workshops for industries.

He announced that Haryana would launch an AI Sandbox. The Haryana Data Exchange and Haryana State Data Lake Platform will be developed to facilitate better service delivery.

The Chief Minister further said that under the Air Quality Control Project, 500 electric buses will be introduced in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar at a cost of ₹90 crore. Around 200 charging stations will also be set up, and incentives will be provided for their establishment. Incentives will also be offered for the purchase of new electric three-wheelers and replacement of old ones. The government will promote the use of cleaner DG sets in industries and provide incentives for the installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) devices. Efforts will also be made to strengthen dust and waste management capacities in urban local bodies.

In addition, measures will be undertaken to reduce stubble burning incidents, promote research on the use of bio-decomposers for improving air quality, strengthen laboratory infrastructure and develop CAQM stations.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that two mobile vans would also be deployed in the state for monitoring air quality so that AQI levels could be checked in any part of Haryana. Expansion of the SPV setup and Programme Management Unit would also be undertaken.

He informed that the Haryana Data Exchange Policy would soon be introduced to create better digital infrastructure. Besides this, an AI Gurukul will be launched to impart AI education to children. Students trained under the initiative would be able to secure placements within a year with ease.

Chandigarh, June 20 – Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the World Bank has approved a loan of Rs. 4,000 crore under the Rs. 5,714 crore ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project, aimed at making the state self-reliant in the water sector. Under the project, 15 clusters have been created in the state, covering an area of 48.94 lakh acres.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting of senior officers on Saturday to review the implementation of the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project at Chandigarh. Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry was also present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister directed officers to prepare a comprehensive water management plan and ensure its effective implementation at the grassroots level so that water reaches every field. He emphasised the need for optimum use of treated water and stressed that every drop of water should be conserved and utilised efficiently. He also called for the development of a digital water management system to enable accurate monitoring of water availability, budgeting and usage across the state.

Village-Level water committees to be formed

The Chief Minister directed that village-level water committees be actively involved in the development and maintenance of khaals (water channels). He said a dedicated fund should be created for these committees, with the state government also contributing towards the maintenance and repair of khaals .

Describing Jal Sanrakshit Haryana as a flagship intensive water resource management programme, he said the project will be implemented in phases over six years, from 2026 to 2032. This funding will be used for extensive work in the canal sector, including the rehabilitation of the state’s remaining 678 canals. This includes rehabilitation of 106 canals with World Bank assistance at a cost of Rs.2,484.87 crore, 293 canals through state budget funding at a cost of Rs.2,230 crore, and 279 canals through NABARD-supported projects.

The Chief Minister further said that the MICADA programme will undertake the rehabilitation work of 620 khaals (water channels), benefiting around 3.18 lakh acres of agricultural land. Besides this, 120 canal-based micro-irrigation projects will be upgraded, extending irrigation benefits to approximately 56,830 acres of land.

The programme also includes reclamation of nearly 2 lakh acres of waterlogged land, promotion of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) on 5 lakh acres, and encouragement of crop diversification on around 1.12 lakh acres of land. In addition, sustainable and water-conservation-based agriculture will be promoted through crop diversification, direct seeding of paddy, and other measures.

147 Water Bodies to be developed in seven districts

To strengthen groundwater recharge, approximately 147 water bodies will be developed in seven districts—Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Charkhi Dadri and Sirsa. Besides this, treated wastewater from major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Jind, Kaithal and Dhanwapur (Gurugram) will be reused for irrigation purposes. These four STPs will cover 28,000 acres of land, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 282.13 crore.

The Chief Minister said the World Bank has appreciated the state government’s forward-looking approach and described the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Programme as a transformational initiative in water resource management. Upon completion, all canals in Haryana will be rehabilitated and modernised, significantly strengthening the state’s irrigation infrastructure.

He said the programme will not only serve as a milestone in making Haryana water-secure and self-reliant but will also reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and sustainable water future for coming generations.

Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta,  Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal,  Director General, Agriculture Department, Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, EIC cum HoD Spl. Sh. Birender Singh and other senior officers were present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, June 19  : K. Makrand Pandurang, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA), on Friday inspected various development works being undertaken by the PMDA across Panchkula and issued necessary directions to the concerned officials.

Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sh Vinay Kumar, and other senior officers accompanied him during the inspection.

The CEO reviewed the condition and ongoing works at Topiary Park, Nirjhar Vatika, Fountain Park, Cactus Garden, major roundabouts , Rajiv Colony, and Atal Park.

During the inspection, Sh Pandurang directed officials to submit detailed reports on all ongoing projects and ensure that infrastructure maintenance is carried out in accordance with prescribed standards. He emphasized that the PMDA is committed to enhancing the beauty and sustainability of parks through the use of treated water systems and ensuring their long-term upkeep.

He further instructed officials to accord special attention to cleanliness, beautification, and the regular maintenance of fountains, particularly in prominent parks such as Nirjhar Vatika and Fountain Park, to provide a better experience for visitors and residents.

The CEO also directed officials to ensure high-quality landscaping in parks and green spaces, improve walkways, and carry out horticultural activities such as regular hedge trimming and plant maintenance. Keeping public convenience in mind, he emphasized enhancing accessibility, maintaining public amenities and toilets, and upgrading infrastructure such as benches and signage.

During the inspection, officials reviewed the cleanliness and upkeep of roads, drains, pathways, and public spaces. Discussions were also held on adopting more efficient and automated horticulture and irrigation solutions. In addition, the progress of key infrastructure projects was assessed, including the Jaldhara Beautification and Rejuvenation Project, the development of Atal Park, the construction of a world-class shooting range, and other ongoing development initiatives.

The Chief Executive Officer directed officials to ensure regular monitoring of all projects and the timely completion of works while maintaining the highest quality standards. He stated that the PMDA remains committed to providing high-quality civic amenities through the integrated development of urban infrastructure, proactive governance, effective project oversight, and improved urban planning. He added that these efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens and promoting sustainable urban growth.

CHANDIGARH; 18th June 2026:

Addressing Punjabis across the world, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that his entire public life has been dedicated to serving the people and safeguarding the interests of Punjab, and that no amount of political propaganda can weaken his bond with the Sangat or the people of the state. Stating that two independent forensic reports have completely exposed the truth behind the fake video controversy, the Chief Minister said that not a single one of the 1,191 frames examined matches his face, height, physique or physical appearance.

Declaring the episode as a calculated attempt to malign him because certain forces cannot tolerate Punjab’s progress and the overwhelming love being shown by the people, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he has directed the DGP Punjab to identify every individual involved in creating, financing and circulating the fake video, regardless of where they are hiding in the world, and bring them before the Sangat. Reaffirming his lifelong commitment to serving Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sangat and the people of Punjab, the Chief Minister appealed to Punjabis not to fall prey to politically motivated conspiracies being hatched by those using religion as a shield to protect their shrinking political relevance.

In a video message, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Ever since I got an opportunity to serve the people, first as a Member of Parliament and now as Chief Minister. When it came to paying tribute to the Chhote Sahibzadas, no tribute had ever been paid to them in Parliament’s history. Guru Sahib entrusted me with that service and, for the first time, tribute was paid to the Chhote Sahibzadas in Parliament. A moment of silence was observed, their sacrifice was discussed and their Shaheedi (martyrdom) was honoured.”

The Chief Minister noted, “Now, as Chief Minister, a matter came before me regarding the vehicles used for carrying Palki Sahib. These vehicles were not exempt from tax. We waived the tax on all Palki Sahib vehicles across Punjab.”

He added, “We gave a nod to exempt specially designed vehicles for carrying the Parkash of Religious Scriptures of different religions in the state from Motor Vehicle Taxes (MVT). The exemption for these vehicles have been given in view of the Nagar Kirtans / Harinaam performed by various religious organizations which act as a catalyst to promote ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood..”

“During the 350th Shaheedi Diwas celebrations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, we made the best possible arrangements and people appreciated those arrangements. For the first time in history, we dedicated the Punjab Vidhan Sabha at the feet of the Guru by holding a special Assembly session at Anandpur Sahib,” he added.

The Chief Minister pointed out, “We accorded the status of Holy Cities to Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo, the cities associated with Takhat Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib. No previous government had the courage to take such a decision.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “When incidents of sacrilege were taking place, the law was very weak. People could get bail even from the police station or escape punishment. We enacted a stringent law, Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, against sacrilege. People praised that law immensely. Even today, people call me and tell me that the law has brought peace to their hearts. I tell them that I did not do it on my own. Guru Sahib entrusted me with that service.”

The Chief Minister said, “I am surprised that those who have become self-appointed custodians of religion, and the political people who appointed their favourites to important positions, are now attaching my name to a fake video in which I am not even present. Someone is acting like me, imitating me, styling his hair like mine and trying to resemble me.”

He affirmed, “Based on some so-called investigation, they are declaring me Panth-Virodhi from the ‘faseel’ of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and telling people not to associate with Bhagwant Mann. This is open political propaganda. This is political messaging and nothing else.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today I am placing before you two reports. These are not reports from any Punjab laboratory. These reports are from laboratories outside Punjab and are related to this very video. A total of 1,191 frames were examined. All 1,191 frames were checked. Not a single frame matches my face from any angle, my side profile, my front profile, my eyes, my height, my physique or my body structure. The reports clearly establish that someone used another individual to create this fake video with the specific intention of declaring it to be a video of Bhagwant Mann and then defaming me.”

He added, “The reports also state that the individual in the video is approximately 2 inches taller than me. How is it possible that my height suddenly increases by two inches in a video? Moreover, I cannot even think of doing such a thing, even in my dreams. Nobody knows when this video was recorded. Nobody knows where it was recorded. Nobody knows who originally circulated it. The only thing that is clear is that when I take decisions in favour of the people of Punjab, those decisions are becoming unbearable for certain people.”

The Chief Minister noted, “The people of Punjab are showering me with immense love. Mothers bless me, elders pray for my long life and young people gather for selfies. Wherever I go, whether it is a public gathering, a rally or a Lok Milni, people come together in large numbers.”

Recounting his government’s achievement for the people of Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Our government has provided free electricity to 90% of households, jobs to over 67,000 youth without corruption, opened Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and is building infrastructure. At the time when our government had assumed the charge of office only 22% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes but now it has risen up to more than 80% as the water is reaching tail ends.”

“After nearly 70 years, canal water is once again reaching people’s fields. Farmers are offering Ardas before directing that water towards their lands. These developments are also becoming difficult for some people to tolerate,” he added.

He asserted, “And now even the Congress, which demolished Sri Akal Takht Sahib, whose scars and bloodstains history still remembers, has joined this chorus. According to them, Bhagwant Mann is responsible for everything. All three parties have now united. They may unite as much as they want. When the people stand united on one side, I have nothing to worry about. What hurts me is that despite the work I have done for Sikh institutions and Sikh causes, such attacks are being carried out against me.”

The Chief Minister stated, “I am a secular person. I want to work for all religions. Every individual should have the freedom to practise his or her faith. Religion gives people spiritual satisfaction and nobody has the right to interfere in another person’s faith. At the very least, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has himself publicly stated that he is a loyal soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal. He should have said that he is a loyal soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When a person holding such an important position openly identifies himself as a soldier of a political leader, what else can people expect?”

Referring to the forensic reports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The reports even analyse the surroundings visible in the video, including the table and the hotel room. Tell me, who keeps such photographs in a hotel room? I had said the same thing when I appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. I said clearly that I am not the person in this video. Whether it is AI or not is a separate matter. When I am not even present in the video, that itself settles the matter.”

The Chief Minister stated, “On the basis of these two reports, I have instructed the DGP Punjab that whoever carried out this act, whoever arranged the shooting of this video, whoever financed it, whichever room it was shot in and wherever in the world it was produced, those individuals should be identified and brought before the Sangat.”

“Thereafter, the Nanak Naam Leva Sangat will decide. The Sangat of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is supreme. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme and our heads bow before it. However, decisions taken in this manner and announced from the Takht have not been accepted by many people,” he affirmed.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Sri Guru Nanak Nanak Naam Leva Sangat not to fall prey to these devious political designs. “These people are merely trying to recover and protect the political positions they have lost. They are using religion as a political tool,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment to Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every minute of my life, every second of my life and every heartbeat in my heart beats for Punjab. I will continue to work for Punjab. The love, respect and blessings that you are giving me mean a great deal to me. Without any greed, without any selfish motive, I will always stand for the rights and interests of Punjab. I have always served Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the people, and I cannot even think of having any conflict with the Sangat.”

“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”

The Haryana Government is set to launch mechanised cleaning and sanitation services through the PPP mode at the District Hospitals of Gurugram, Jind and Kurukshetra. The initiative aims to ensure world-class cleanliness standards across critical patient care areas and create a safer, cleaner and more patient-friendly hospital environment. Approximately Rs. 3 to 3.5 crore will be spent annually on mechanised cleaning and sanitation services in these three hospitals.

Giving further details, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra said that maintaining a clean and hygienic hospital environment is essential for patient safety, infection prevention and improved healthcare outcomes. She said the mechanised cleaning system will help ensure consistent and efficient sanitation across hospital premises while enhancing the overall patient experience.

Dr. Misra directed hospital authorities to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in toilets, wards, corridors, waiting halls, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), emergency departments, operation theatres and Mother and Child Health (MCH) units. She emphasised that special attention must be paid to high-footfall and critical care areas where hygiene standards directly impact patient safety and infection control.

The ACS Health further instructed officers to establish robust monitoring mechanisms and ensure optimum deployment of sanitation manpower for round-the-clock supervision of housekeeping services. She stressed the need for regular inspections and accountability to sustain high standards of cleanliness throughout the hospital premises.

Dr. Misra said the initiative is in line with the vision of Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, to transform government hospitals into modern, efficient and patient-centric healthcare institutions. She observed that a clean hospital environment not only improves patient comfort and satisfaction but also plays a crucial role in reducing healthcare-associated infections and strengthening public confidence in government healthcare facilities.

Expressing confidence in the initiative, Dr. Misra said the mechanised cleaning system would significantly improve the ambience, efficiency and service quality of the three district hospitals, further reinforcing the State Government’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services to the people of Haryana.