CM Saini calls for collective responsibility in environmental protection at 76th state-level van mahotsav

KURUKSHETRA: Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday underscored that protecting nature and the environment is not merely a government initiative, but the duty of every citizen.

Speaking at the 76th state-level Van Mahotsav in Syonsar village in Kurukshetra district. CM Saini stressed that forests and trees are the foundation of life, and large-scale plantation along with protection efforts are essential to counter climate change, irregular rainfall, and rising temperatures.The state has set an ambitious target of planting 2.1 crore saplings this year under various campaigns, building on the success of exceeding last year’s goal under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.

Since October 2014, around 18 crore saplings have been planted across Haryana. CM Saini also inaugurated the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari, and released several publications, including the Triphala booklet, Haryana Wildlife Map, and Kurukshetra Wildlife Map.Highlighting the cultural and environmental significance of the Van Mahotsav, Saini said, “This festival is not just an event; it’s an expression of gratitude to nature and a pledge for a greener, healthier future.”

He urged gram panchayats, municipalities, social organisations, and educational institutions to turn tree plantation into a mass movement, instilling environmental awareness in children from an early age.The CM outlined other government initiatives, including the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, which provides Rs 3,000 annually for the upkeep of trees over 75 years old, benefiting over 3,800 trees so far. He also spoke about projects to promote urban forestry, curb illegal tree felling, conserve wildlife, and develop herbal parks and oxygen forests.

The recently launched “Harit Aravalli Action Plan” aims to rejuvenate the Aravalli hills across four states, including five districts of Haryana.On the political front, Saini criticised the opposition for “peddling false narratives” about vote tampering, saying people have rejected them due to their past misdeeds. He lauded the Modi government’s decisive actions, including “Operation Sindoor” to dismantle terrorist camps in Pakistan, and reiterated the vision to make India a developed nation by 2047.Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal also addressed the gathering, describing the Van Mahotsav as an opportunity to link culture, nature, and tourism. He praised CM Saini for advancing the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in the state and suggested developing the Syonsar projects into a wildlife sanctuary to attract eco-tourism. He called upon citizens to plant at least five trees each year and take responsibility for their care.The event was attended by former minister Subhash Sudha, Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board Vice Chairman Dhuman Singh Kirmich, CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries.