Aravalli projects to promote eco-tourism, create jobs for locals: Haryana forest minister
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India and is spread across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering an area of 1.15 million hectares, the minister said, adding that the central government has entrusted Haryana with the responsibility of implementing the Aravalli Green Wall Project and developing the jungle safari.
The minister said that this project was earlier under the tourism department, but as per the directions of chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, it has now been handed over to the forest department.
'Through this project, afforestation of indigenous species and soil health will be improved, besides recharging groundwater and preserving biodiversity. The project will not only benefit Haryana's environment but also provide employment to locals who will be known as 'Van Mitras',' he said.
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Time of India
29-07-2025
- Time of India
Haryana Chief Minister Highlights Van Mahotsav as Commitment to Environmental Preservation and Green Future; State-Level Van Mahotsav Symbolises Our Commitment to a Green Future: CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Kalesar (Yamunanagar): Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday reaffirmed the state's commitment to environmental sustainability, declaring the Van Mahotsav as a celebration of nature, citizen responsibility, and intergenerational well-being. Speaking at the state-level Van Mahotsav that the forest department had organised in Kalesar, Saini said: "When we plant a tree, we sow the seeds of life and hope." He urged citizens to stay rooted in nature even as rapid modernisation reshapes their lives. Before the main event, the CM visited the historical Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, inaugurated a forest department rest house, and took part in a tree plantation campaign. Record-breaking plantation Saini has announced that Haryana aims to plant 2.1 crore saplings this year under the Centre's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched on World Environment Day. The state has exceeded its phase-I target already by planting more than 1.8 crore trees. The second phase, launched on June 5, aims to add 90 lakh more saplings, along with 1.20 crore under other schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Green corridors, eco-tourism Saini also outlined plans to develop the Kalka-Kalesar belt into an eco-tourism hub, calling Kalesar "a treasure trove of biodiversity and a haven for nature lovers". He said the region, known for its trekking trails and rich flora and fauna, was vital to Haryana's sustainable tourism strategy. Wildlife conservation Emphasising on forest and wildlife protection, the CM said the forest department had stepped up patrols and anti-poaching efforts in sensitive zones like Kalesar National Park. Recent sightings of elephant herds, including successful rehabilitation efforts in Bansantor, reflect positive ecological outcomes. The state has also constructed dams in the Shivalik region to store water for wildlife and recharge groundwater. Scheme honours old trees In a unique move, the govt is granting an annual ₹3,000 "pension" under the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to caretakers of trees over 75 years old. So far, ₹1 crore has been disbursed for the upkeep of 3,800 heritage trees. Since October 2014, more than 18 crore saplings have been planted across Haryana. Their survival and growth are being tracked through drone-based geo-tagging and five-year monitoring protocols. Publications released To mark the occasion, the CM released two forest ddepartment publications — Haryana Forest News and Pran Vayu Devta — aimed at educating the public on conservation efforts and native tree species. Environment and forest minister Rao Narbir Singh called the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign a transformative initiative, while local MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora encouraged citizens to nurture saplings for at least a year. Additional chief secretary Anand Mohan Sharan and principal chief conservator of forests Vineet Kumar Garg were among the local dignitaries in attendance. The Van Mahotsav concluded with a message that sustainable development and ecological stewardship must go hand in hand. MSID:: 122956245 413 |
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Time of India
Van Mahotsav symbolizes our commitment to a green future: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 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.
Mint
28-07-2025
- Mint
Ahead of Disneyland's upcoming venture, here's a lesson in why Wonderla succeeded while Imagicaa collapsed
The amusement park business in India has come a long way. What started with travelling fairs and simple water rides has now become a part of the country's broader entertainment economy. As of 2024, the industry is valued at USD 6,376 million, and is projected to reach USD 11,411 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.9%. Rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and increasing demand for immersive, all-day family experiences are driving this growth. (Source: Grand View Research, Finology Research Desk) It's no longer just about rollercoasters. Today's parks offer a mix of music, food, events, and themed environments, catering not just to kids, but also to parents and young adults. And now, Disneyland is preparing to enter this space, which is a major milestone for the industry. In July 2025, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed that the state is in advanced talks with Disney to build a 500-acre theme park near Manesar, along the KMP Expressway. The location offers good highway access from Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur. But while this marks an exciting new chapter, it also comes with lessons from the past, particularly the story of Imagicaa. Imagicaa's funding structure was flawed from the start. The company took on a massive ₹ 1,100 crore debt to build a project that cost ₹ 1,200 crore overall. That means 92% of the investment came from borrowings, even before the park was opened. This meant large interest payments began right away, at a time when the business had no revenue. Amusement parks, by nature, are seasonal and slow-growing. They take time to build momentum. And no park in India can generate enough footfall in its early years to service that level of debt. Financial failure wasn't a risk. It was almost hardwired into the business model. Imagicaa built its business expecting 15,000 visitors a day. But that number never came close. In reality, daily footfall ranged between 3,000 and 5,000. Location played a huge role in that mismatch. The park was located in Khopoli, near Lonavala — almost two hours from both Mumbai and Pune, with limited or no public transport. For a visitor, a weekend trip to the park meant spending more time on the road than enjoying the park itself. And while overnight stays were possible, they didn't offer enough value to make up for the hassle. To make things worse, the park faced a long monsoon season every year, wiping out visitor numbers for several months. Add to that the ticket pricing: at ₹ 2,000 per person, and that too just for rides. For a family of four, a single visit could easily cost ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 20,000, once you factor in food and travel expenses. At that price, a short trip to Goa began to feel like a better use of money. Also, the park and water park had separate tickets, which made it feel even more overpriced. The bottom line: the experience didn't justify the cost, and that directly impacted footfall. Wonderla approached things very differently. Its first park in Kochi was built using promoter equity, no large loans, no debt, and no interest payments eating into early cash flows. This gave the business breathing room during seasonal lows and helped it stay financially stable from the very beginning. Even as Wonderla expanded, it kept its costs under control and stayed away from high leverage. Wonderla followed a simple, family-friendly pricing strategy. One ticket covered both the amusement and water park — no add-ons, no surprises. At around ₹ 1,250 per person, the ticket wasn't cheap, but it was still much more accessible than Imagicaa's ₹ 2,000 pricing. The model worked especially well for middle-class families, school outings, and college groups. The result? Daily footfall between 7,000 and 9,000, nearly double Imagicaa's numbers. Finology Research Desk Wonderla didn't try to scale all at once. It took a slow, calculated approach. Each new park was opened only after the earlier one had proved itself. Profits from Kochi funded the Bengaluru park. Hyderabad was built using a mix of internal accruals and IPO proceeds. Bhubaneswar came much later, when the business had the strength to support it. This paced expansion helped Wonderla stay profitable, without ever losing control of its finances. If Disneyland wants to succeed in India, brand power alone won't be enough. The Indian amusement park market is still price-sensitive, slow to scale, and very unforgiving of operational missteps. A full-scale theme park, hotel, and water world on Day 1 means massive upfront costs without tested demand. Start lean, prove the model, and build in phases. Being on a highway isn't enough. Visitors need fast, affordable public transport, especially for weekend trips. Poor last-mile access killed Imagicaa; it can affect Disney, too. The chosen site for Disneyland near Manesar, Haryana, is ideally close to Delhi and Gurugram. It's connected via the KMP Expressway and the upcoming Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. But as of now, public transport is limited, and it's almost an hour's drive from Gurugram railway station to Manesar. Unless Disney solves for this through shuttles, feeder buses, or metro tie-ins, the park risks being too far for frequent visits. Location may look good on a map, but in India, accessibility drives footfall. Middle-class families look at the full trip cost, not just ticket prices. That includes food, travel, parking, and merchandise. Anything above ₹ 15,000 for a day trip starts to feel like a vacation. Don't price them out. Indian summers are harsh, and monsoons can be relentless. Disney needs to design around that, with indoor zones, shade, and climate-controlled spaces that keep the experience enjoyable year-round. India's amusement park journey proves a simple truth: lasting success doesn't come from throwing money at scale; it comes from measured growth, sound capital allocation, and staying grounded in fundamentals. That's exactly why Wonderla continues to thrive. It didn't chase hype. It didn't overborrow. It built slowly, priced wisely, and scaled only when the business was ready. And that's the kind of business model we respect. At the Finology research desk, that's the lens we use to identify companies. Finology 30 follows the same philosophy: a carefully selected basket of 30 high-quality Indian companies that compound over time, not through noise, but through discipline. Finology is a SEBI-registered investment advisor firm with registration number INA000012218. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
