Gurgaon: Haryana will organise Van Mahotsav in all 90 assembly constituencies this year and plant 1.4 crore saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign during 2026-27, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini announced while launching the second phase of the 77th state-level Van Mahotsav on Friday in Manesar.Addressing the gathering, Saini said govt’s focus was not merely on increasing plantation numbers but on ensuring every sapling survives and grows into a tree. “The real success of the campaign will be measured by how many saplings are alive three years later,” he said, urging citizens to treat planted saplings like members of their family.Calling protection of Aravalis a collective responsibility, he said the mountain range has safeguarded biodiversity, conserved water and provided clean air for centuries. He urged every family in Haryana to plant at least one tree and ensure its survival.The chief minister said the first phase of this year’s Van Mahotsav was held in Karnal on July 30 and the campaign would now be taken to all 90 assembly constituencies to encourage wider public participation.Union environment, forest and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav said Haryana has emerged as an example for NCR in Aravali conservation and green development. He said, “Efforts to restore green cover in Aravalis, develop forests on revenue land, and strengthen environmental protection have helped improve the state’s ecological profile.”Saini highlighted the state’s ongoing green initiatives, saying Haryana has developed 75 Namo Parks, established 58 herbal parks and deployed 610 Van Mitras to help protect plantations. He said 5,360 heritage trees are being covered under Pran Vayu Devta Scheme, which provides annual financial assistance for their conservation.Environment, forest and wildlife minister Rao Narbir Singh said, “Plantation drives would succeed only if every sapling was protected until it matured into a tree.” He also appealed to people to use digital invitations for social functions to reduce paper consumption, save fuel and lower pollution.
