Times News Network
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launches the second phase of the 77th state-level Van Mahotsav at Manesar on Friday
Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday called for a mass green movement across the state, urging every family to plant at least one tree and take responsibility for its survival. He said environmental conservation cannot remain confined to govt programmes and must become a shared responsibility of citizens.Addressing the second phase of the 77th State-Level Van Mahotsav at Manesar in Gurugram, Saini said Haryana has set a target of planting 1.40 crore saplings in 2026-27 under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. However, he stressed that the success of the drive would be measured not by the number of saplings planted but by their survival.“Planting a sapling for a photograph is not enough,” the chief minister said, adding that regular watering, protection, soil care and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure its growth. He said the real test would be how many of the saplings planted today survive and thrive as healthy trees three years later.The second phase of Van Mahotsav was launched from Manesar after the first phase began in Karnal on July 30. The programme will now be organised across all 90 Assembly constituencies, involving citizens, educational institutions, panchayats, urban local bodies, religious and social organisations, and industries in the plantation campaign.Highlighting Haryana’s ongoing green initiatives, Saini said 75 Namo Parks have been developed across the state, while Oxy Vans are being established at every district headquarters. A statewide ‘Panchvati’ plantation campaign is also being implemented in villages, with Panchvati Vatikas planned at 134 pilgrimage sites across the 48-Kos Kurukshetra region.He underlined the ecological importance of the Aravalis, saying the mountain range has provided clean air, water conservation and biodiversity for generations. Development, he said, would be meaningful only when nature thrives alongside economic growth, particularly in industrial centres such as Gurugram and Manesar.The chief minister said 58 Herbal Parks have been established for the conservation of medicinal plants, while 610 Van Mitras are helping protect saplings and expand green cover. He also cited the recognition of Sultanpur National Park and Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary as Ramsar sites as evidence of Haryana’s rich biodiversity.Under the Pran Vayu Devta Scheme, annual financial assistance of Rs 3,000 is being provided for the conservation of 5,360 heritage trees, he added.Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav praised Haryana’s efforts in Aravali conservation and green development, saying the state is emerging as a model for environmental conservation in the NCR. He said the Aravalis, Sultanpur Wetland and other green assets are strengthening Gurugram’s environmental identity while supporting groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and biodiversity conservation.Forest minister Rao Narbir Singh said plantation drives would succeed only if saplings were nurtured into full-grown trees. He also urged people to adopt digital invitations for social functions to reduce paper consumption, fuel usage, traffic congestion and pollution.
