KALESAR (YAMUNANAGAR): Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the state’s strong commitment to environmental preservation , declaring that Van Mahotsav is a symbol of our gratitude toward nature, our responsibilities as citizens, and our resolve to ensure a healthier future for the coming generations.
Speaking as the chief guest at the state-level Van Mahotsav organized by the Forest Department at Kalesar, the chief minister emphasized that while rapid modernization is transforming our lives, we must not forget our roots in nature. “When we plant a tree, we are sowing the seeds of life and hope,” he said.
Before attending the event, the chief minister offered prayers at the historic Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, praying for peace and prosperity in the state. He also inaugurated a newly built Forest Department rest house and participated in a tree plantation drive at the event site.
Massive plantation targets across Haryana
Chief minister Saini shared that Haryana has set an ambitious target of planting 2.10 crore saplings this year. The initiative is part of the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024. In its first phase, Haryana surpassed its goal by planting 1.87 crore saplings against the set target of 1.60 crore. In the second phase, launched on June 5 this year, the state aims to plant another 90 lakh trees, alongside 1.20 crore under other ongoing schemes.
Developing Kalesar and Kalka as a tourism hub
Highlighting the ecological and touristic importance of the Kalesar region, the CM announced that the government is working to develop the entire stretch from Kalka to Kalesar into a tourism hub. He praised Kalesar not just for its natural beauty, but also as a hotspot for trekking and nature tourism.
Protection of forests and wildlife
To protect forests and wildlife, the government has intensified its actions against illegal tree felling and poaching. The Forest Department has been instructed to act more proactively, especially in wildlife-rich areas like Kalesar National Park, where strict surveillance and patrols have significantly reduced illegal hunting. As a result, elephant herds were sighted thrice last year in the area, including at Bansantor, where they’ve been successfully rehabilitated.
The state has also developed dams in the Shivalik region to conserve water and ensure drinking water for wild animals, which also contributes to replenishing groundwater levels.
Honouring trees with ‘Pran Vayu Devta’ scheme
Taking a unique step toward green conservation, the state has launched the ‘ Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme ’ to support trees older than 75 years. Under the scheme, ₹3,000 annual pension per tree is provided for their care. So far, ₹1 crore has been disbursed to protectors of 3,800 such trees.
Since October 2014, the state has already planted over 18 crore saplings, and their growth is being tracked using drone-based geo-tagging and mapping over a 5-year period to monitor forest expansion.
Promoting environmental awareness
On this occasion, the chief minister also released two important publications: ‘Haryana Forest News’ and ‘Pran Vayu Devta’, aimed at spreading awareness about forest conservation, the importance of tree species, and efforts being undertaken by the Forest Department.
Speaking at the event, environment and forest minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasized the long-term impact of the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign. MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora also encouraged citizens to care for the saplings for at least a year to ensure their survival and environmental benefit.
The CM was warmly welcomed at the event by additional chief secretary Anand Mohan Sharan and other dignitaries. Among those present were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vineet Kumar Garg, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal, CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, DC Parth Gupta, SP Kamaldeep Goyal, BJP leaders, former MLAs, and local representatives.
The Van Mahotsav served as a powerful reminder that sustainable development must walk hand-in-hand with nature, and Haryana is setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.
Speaking as the chief guest at the state-level Van Mahotsav organized by the Forest Department at Kalesar, the chief minister emphasized that while rapid modernization is transforming our lives, we must not forget our roots in nature. “When we plant a tree, we are sowing the seeds of life and hope,” he said.
Before attending the event, the chief minister offered prayers at the historic Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, praying for peace and prosperity in the state. He also inaugurated a newly built Forest Department rest house and participated in a tree plantation drive at the event site.
Massive plantation targets across Haryana
Chief minister Saini shared that Haryana has set an ambitious target of planting 2.10 crore saplings this year. The initiative is part of the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024. In its first phase, Haryana surpassed its goal by planting 1.87 crore saplings against the set target of 1.60 crore. In the second phase, launched on June 5 this year, the state aims to plant another 90 lakh trees, alongside 1.20 crore under other ongoing schemes.
Developing Kalesar and Kalka as a tourism hub
Highlighting the ecological and touristic importance of the Kalesar region, the CM announced that the government is working to develop the entire stretch from Kalka to Kalesar into a tourism hub. He praised Kalesar not just for its natural beauty, but also as a hotspot for trekking and nature tourism.
Protection of forests and wildlife
To protect forests and wildlife, the government has intensified its actions against illegal tree felling and poaching. The Forest Department has been instructed to act more proactively, especially in wildlife-rich areas like Kalesar National Park, where strict surveillance and patrols have significantly reduced illegal hunting. As a result, elephant herds were sighted thrice last year in the area, including at Bansantor, where they’ve been successfully rehabilitated.
The state has also developed dams in the Shivalik region to conserve water and ensure drinking water for wild animals, which also contributes to replenishing groundwater levels.
Honouring trees with ‘Pran Vayu Devta’ scheme
Taking a unique step toward green conservation, the state has launched the ‘ Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme ’ to support trees older than 75 years. Under the scheme, ₹3,000 annual pension per tree is provided for their care. So far, ₹1 crore has been disbursed to protectors of 3,800 such trees.
Since October 2014, the state has already planted over 18 crore saplings, and their growth is being tracked using drone-based geo-tagging and mapping over a 5-year period to monitor forest expansion.
Promoting environmental awareness
On this occasion, the chief minister also released two important publications: ‘Haryana Forest News’ and ‘Pran Vayu Devta’, aimed at spreading awareness about forest conservation, the importance of tree species, and efforts being undertaken by the Forest Department.
Speaking at the event, environment and forest minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasized the long-term impact of the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign. MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora also encouraged citizens to care for the saplings for at least a year to ensure their survival and environmental benefit.
The CM was warmly welcomed at the event by additional chief secretary Anand Mohan Sharan and other dignitaries. Among those present were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vineet Kumar Garg, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal, CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, DC Parth Gupta, SP Kamaldeep Goyal, BJP leaders, former MLAs, and local representatives.
The Van Mahotsav served as a powerful reminder that sustainable development must walk hand-in-hand with nature, and Haryana is setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.
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