Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Haryana CM Saini announces ambitious target to plant 2.10 crore saplings across the state this year
Sapling growth to be monitored for five years to boost Haryana’s forest cover
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 23, 2025: Making a clarion call to plant the maximum number of saplings for environmental conservation and to ensure a healthier planet and a sustainable future, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the State Government has set an ambitious target of planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state this year.
On this occasion, he also appealed to the people of the state to ensure that every family plants at least one tree during this monsoon season.
The Chief Minister said, “With the support of the citizens, I am confident that we will surpass this target once again.” He said that under the first phase of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, 1.87 crore saplings have been planted in Haryana, surpassing the target of 1.60 crore saplings.
Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing at the State–level Van Mahotsav organized in Morni, district Panchkula today.He also announced that the the plantations initiated by the Forest Department will be geo-tagged and regularly mapped using drones each year.
Their growth will be monitored for up to five years to ensure effective implementation and contribute to increasing the forest cover in Haryana. Since October 2014, about 18 crore saplings have been planted across the state.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released two booklets published by the Forests and Wildlife Department, focusing on Herbal Vatika and the development of Nature Trails to promote eco-tourism in the Morni region.
Responding to the demands raised by MLA Kalka, Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, the Chief Minister assured that all development-related demands would be fulfilled after the concerned departments conduct the necessary feasibility studies.
Trees produce oxygen and play a vital role in combating climate change and restoring nature’s balance
The Chief Minister emphasized that, besides the Government, it is the collective responsibility of every individual to contribute to environmental conservation.
He urged people to plant at least one sapling and care for it diligently, just like their own children, for a minimum of five years. He added that trees not only produce oxygen, which is essential for life, but also play a crucial role in addressing climate change and restoring nature’s balance.
He said that in the desire to progress, many trees have been cut down, disturbing the natural balance and harming both nature and people's health.
The Van Mahotsav is not just a tree-plantation program; it is a commitment that reminds us that nature is our life, and protecting it is our foremost duty. Our ancestors taught us the saying, "Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah," which means—those who protect trees are, in turn, protected by them, the Chief Minister added.
Since 2014, Rs. 2,446 crore development works completed in Kalka Constituency compared to Rs. 304 crore in previous ten years
The Chief Minister said that today’s Van Mahotsav will play a significant role in both protecting trees and promoting tourism in the region. He added that the State Government has left no stone unturned to ensure the holistic development of the Morni area.
Since 2014, development work worth Rs. 2,446 crore has been completed in the Kalka assembly constituency, compared to just Rs. 304 crore during the 10-year tenure of the Congress government.
He said that in the last 10 years, we have made a total of 171 announcements for the Kalka assembly constituency. Of these, 60 announcements have been completed, and work is currently in progress on 9 others.
He said that, for the first time, a government has been formed in the state for a third consecutive term under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, which is a clear testament to the growing faith of the people in the current government.
Growing trees are a symbol of a progressive nation
While describing growing trees as a symbol of a progressive nation, the Chief Minister said that since our economy is agriculture-based, trees and forests play a vital role in maintaining fertile land for farming.Trees act as natural factories that produce oxygen, the life-giving air we breathe.
He said that we must understand that to live healthy lives and enjoy clean air, we need to develop forests by planting more trees and protecting them. The more trees and plants we have, the cleaner and healthier our environment will be, he added.
State Government launches Pranavayu Devta Pension Scheme to honor trees over 75 years old
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has launched the Pranavayu Devta Pension Scheme to express our gratitude to trees that are over 75 years old.
Under this initiative, a pension of Rs. 3,000 per year per tree has been provisioned for the care and maintenance of these aged trees. So far, an amount of Rs. 1 crore has been deposited into the accounts of the guardians of 3,800 trees under this scheme.
Additionally, herbal parks have been developed across various districts to conserve and promote medicinal plants.
An international-level herbal forest has been established in the Morni area. In addition, Oxy-vans have also been developed in several districts to enhance green cover and improve air quality.
Government launches ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ in South Haryana
He said that the Government has also launched the ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ in South Haryana. This project, jointly formulated by the Central and State Governments, will be implemented across four states encompassing the Aravalli Hills, including Haryana.
A total of 29 districts have been selected for this initiative, out of which five are from Haryana. Apart from this, several dams have been constructed to conserve water in the hilly regions of the state, especially in the Shivalik area. These dams are playing a crucial role in providing drinking water for wildlife and in improving the underground water level.
Citizens urged to celebrate special occasions by planting a tree
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to keeping Haryana green and pollution-free, the Chief Minister emphasized that no government scheme or program can succeed without active public participation.
He urged all residents of the state not to cut down trees, and added that if anyone comes across a tree that appears to be diseased, they should inform the Forest Department so that it can be treated appropriately.
He also urged everyone to take a pledge to make their joyful moments memorable by planting a tree on occasions such as a child’s birthday, wedding anniversary, or any other special celebration.
Van Mahotsav should be a people’s movement, not just a ceremonial event - Minister Rao Narbir Singh
Haryana Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that Van Mahotsav should not be treated merely as a ceremonial event, but as a people’s movement in which every citizen of the state actively participates.
He urged the public to take a pledge not only to plant saplings but also to ensure their proper care, helping to keep the environment clean and green.
He added that trees release oxygen and play a vital role in improving the Air Quality Index, which has been adversely affected in recent times due to environmental pollution.Haryana reaches new heights of development under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini – MLA Smt Shakti Rani Sharma
MLA Kalka, Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana has achieved remarkable progress and reached new heights of development.
She expressed her commitment to making the Kalka Assembly Constituency the number one constituency in the state in terms of development. Smt. Sharma also thanked the Chief Minister for promoting eco-tourism and adventure sports activities in the Morni area.
On this occasion, she urged the public to plant the maximum number of saplings to contribute to environmental conservation.
Additional Chief Secretary Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Sh Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sh Vineet Garg, OSD to Chief Minister Sh BB Bharti and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.