Chandigarh, June 5 — On the occasion of World Environment Day, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini took a significant stride toward environmental sustainability by launching multiple green initiatives in Charkhi Dadri. Leading the second phase of the widely appreciated Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, the Chief Minister made an impassioned appeal to citizens to plant trees and take a firm stand against plastic usage to secure a cleaner, greener Haryana.
Addressing a large gathering at the state-level event, CM Saini emphasized that environmental preservation begins at home and that every citizen must pledge to plant at least one tree — either at their residence, in public spaces, or on farmland. He reiterated that conserving nature is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility that will directly impact the well-being of future generations.
The Chief Minister unveiled the second phase of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, linking it to the profound respect every individual should have for Mother Earth—akin to the reverence one holds for their biological mother. He said that the campaign is not merely symbolic but a practical movement aimed at reversing environmental degradation through community involvement.
Adding further momentum to the green mission, CM Saini also initiated the Green Aravali Action Plan and the Miyawaki Plantation Campaign, both designed to address region-specific ecological challenges. The Green Aravali initiative, developed through collaboration between central and state agencies, targets reforestation across the Aravali range spanning four states and 29 districts, including five in Haryana. The plan seeks to restore natural biodiversity and counteract the adverse effects of deforestation and land degradation.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s World Environment Day — “Plastic-Free Earth” — CM Saini focused extensively on the dangers posed by plastic pollution. He noted that single-use plastics and 120 mm plastic bags have already been banned in Haryana, adding that aggressive enforcement and public cooperation are essential to eliminate plastic waste altogether. He urged citizens to opt for eco-friendly alternatives, including jute bags, which were also promoted during the event as part of a symbolic gesture toward sustainable living.
As a part of the broader vision of a pollution-free Haryana, the Chief Minister flagged off five new electric buses from the venue. This move is part of a larger plan to replace a significant portion of Haryana’s diesel-powered public transportation fleet with electric alternatives. CM Saini announced that the government aims to include up to 30% electric buses in its roadways fleet over the next five years. With 375 electric buses already sanctioned for 11 municipal corporations and 450 more to be acquired under the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Seva Yojana by 2026, the state is charting a clear path toward clean mobility.
He further highlighted that these e-buses will serve major urban centers including Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, and Hisar, significantly reducing the state’s carbon footprint while promoting energy-efficient public transport. The introduction of subsidies on battery-operated vehicles is also expected to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across Haryana.
In his address, the Chief Minister also referred to Haryana’s commendable efforts in tackling stubble burning — a key contributor to North India’s air pollution crisis. CM Saini proudly noted that the Supreme Court recently acknowledged Haryana’s success in stubble management and even suggested that neighboring Punjab take a cue from Haryana’s proactive approach. He criticized previous administrations, particularly in Delhi, for shifting the blame while doing little to resolve the root causes of pollution.
The state, he noted, has implemented robust policies for managing biomedical waste, hazardous substances, and solid waste, in addition to controlling plastic usage. Over 5,250 eco clubs have been formed in schools across the state to raise environmental awareness among students and encourage a culture of responsibility from a young age.
Haryana’s vision for a greener future also includes the development of “Oxy Forests” — large urban green spaces aimed at improving air quality and offering ecological respite. The first such forest was developed in Karnal, with Panchkula next in line.
The Chief Minister concluded the event by unveiling informative booklets such as the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Nursery guide and the Green Aravali Action Plan, prepared by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Wildlife. These resources will aid in guiding local bodies, NGOs, and citizens in implementing grassroots environmental action.
Through these measures, Haryana is not only setting a new benchmark in state-level environmental governance but also leading by example in the national narrative for sustainable development. CM Saini’s message was clear — environmental protection cannot wait, and every citizen must play their part, starting today.
This is a web-generated news feature story.
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