Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday reaffirmed the state’s dedication to environmental conservation, calling Van Mahotsav not just a celebration of trees but a deep-rooted reminder of humanity’s bond with nature. Participating as the chief guest at the state-level Van Mahotsav event organized by the Forest Department in Kalesar, Yamunanagar, CM Saini highlighted that nature is the foundation of life, and its protection should remain a top priority.
Addressing a gathering of officials, environmentalists, and local residents, CM Saini said that in an era of rapid modernization, it is imperative not to exploit nature in the name of development but to learn to coexist with it. He stressed that each tree planted represents a seed of life and a symbol of hope for future generations. Before the commencement of the program, the Chief Minister visited the sacred Kaleshwar Mahadev Math Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for the prosperity of the state.
The Chief Minister officially inaugurated the newly constructed Forest Department Rest House and participated in a mass tree plantation drive as part of the event. In his address, CM Saini described Van Mahotsav as a symbol of gratitude towards nature, a recognition of our environmental duties, and a commitment to ensuring a healthier future for coming generations. Referring to Kalesar, he noted its ecological importance and its rising popularity among tourists, nature enthusiasts, and trekkers. He revealed that the government is actively working to develop the entire area from Kalka to Kalesar into a comprehensive tourism hub.
Elaborating on the government’s reforestation goals, CM Saini shared that Haryana has set an ambitious target of planting over 2.10 crore saplings this year alone. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative on June 5, 2024, where a nationwide campaign was launched to plant a tree in the name of one’s mother, Haryana had initially aimed to plant 1.60 crore trees. Surpassing expectations, the state successfully planted 1.87 crore trees in the first phase. In the second phase, an additional 90 lakh trees are set to be planted. Apart from this, another 1.20 crore saplings will be planted under various other schemes, reinforcing Haryana’s strong commitment to increasing its green cover.
CM Saini emphasized the government’s firm stance against illegal deforestation and efforts to conserve wildlife. He said specific directives have been issued to make the Forest Department more proactive in curbing illegal activities. Notably, stringent security measures have been implemented in Kalesar National Park to prevent poaching. As a result of these efforts, elephant herds ranging from eight to ten individuals have been sighted during the months of April, October, and February over the past year. Bansantor, a part of the park, has also been rehabilitated to serve as a suitable habitat for elephants.
In addition to protection efforts, the state has introduced eco-tourism elements like jeep safaris and educational tours for children to raise environmental awareness among the public. Water conservation measures have also been prioritized, especially in the Shivalik ranges of southern Haryana, where small dams have been built. These dams not only supply drinking water to wildlife but also help recharge groundwater levels, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
CM Saini spoke about another landmark project – the Harit Aravalli Action Plan. This central-state collaborative project spans the Aravalli ranges across four states, including Haryana. Within Haryana, five districts have been identified under this plan to enhance green cover and restore ecological balance.
Highlighting an innovative initiative to honor old trees, CM Saini introduced the ‘Pranavayu Devta Pension Scheme.’ Trees over 75 years old are now eligible for an annual pension of Rs 3,000, which is deposited directly into the accounts of their caretakers. So far, around 3,800 such trees have been enrolled, and Rs 1 crore has been disbursed under this scheme, underlining the government’s respect and recognition of age-old natural heritage.
The Chief Minister also stated that nearly 18 crore saplings have been planted in Haryana since October 2014. He mentioned that the growth and survival of these trees are being closely monitored using geo-tagging and drone mapping technologies, with a five-year follow-up plan in place to ensure sustained development of forest areas.
At the event, CM Saini launched two informative booklets: “Haryana Forest News” and “Pranavayu Devta.” The first highlights the initiatives, achievements, and challenges faced by the Forest Department, while the latter provides detailed insights into the environmental importance of various tree species and practical tips for their preservation.
Environment and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh, who was present at the event, echoed the Chief Minister’s views. He urged the public to participate in the “One Tree for Mother” campaign, stressing the importance of nurturing the saplings once planted. MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora also appealed to the community to take personal responsibility for at least one year of care for every planted tree.
As CM Nayab Singh Saini concluded his speech amidst applause, he reiterated that the Van Mahotsav is not just an environmental event but a societal pledge to preserve the sanctity of nature. His vision aims to transform Haryana into a green, clean, and ecologically balanced state for future generations.
Also present on the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Anand Mohan Saran, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vineet Kumar Garg, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal, CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta, along with other dignitaries who collectively expressed their commitment to a greener Haryana.
