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.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Europe Travel Hack That Saves You Hundreds on Trips!
davidicke.com
Undo
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.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Holiday: Check which schools, colleges will remain closed
Krishna Janmashtami, also called Gokulashtami, will be celebrated on August 16 this year, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls on Ashtami, the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Independence Day 2025 Op Sindoor to water cutoff: PM Modi slams Pak in I-Day speech GST reforms by Diwali to cut daily-use taxes: PM Modi Terrorism, tech, more: PM's I-Day speech highlights Observed widely across India, the festival sees various celebrations in schools and colleges. While some institutions organize special programs, others allow students to enjoy a holiday after celebrating in advance. Here's a list of states and cities where schools are likely to remain closed on this occasion in 2025: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo City State/Union Territory Ahmedabad Gujarat Aizawl Mizoram Bhopal Madhya Pradesh Chandigarh Chandigarh Chennai Tamil Nadu Dehradun Uttarakhand Gangtok Sikkim Hyderabad Telangana Jaipur Rajasthan Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Kanpur Uttar Pradesh
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Tired of tantrums? Try these 7 parenting shifts that actually work
7 game-changing parenting shifts that calm even the worst tantrums (Image: iStock) The modern world is undergoing significant changes and while these changes are for the best, we cannot undermine the fact that they have raised some serious concerns at the same time. This especially holds true when it comes to parenting. Parents nowadays are juggling between timelines and at the same time they are on a constant quest of raising emotionally and mentally strong kids. Studies have shown that children who are emotionally stable and have better control over their emotions can reach milestones in social and emotional development. Such kids have strong social skills and simultaneously perform better at school and enjoy strong bond with their peers. A study by University of Sydney's ParentWorks intervention, detailed in The Conversation, established that offering immediate, relationship-based rewards like attention or praise, following good behaviours, can disrupt tantrum cycles. This is because it reinforces what kids should do, fostering positive cycles rather than inadvertently rewarding misbehaviour. Avoid screen distractions because they impair self-control or so Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry study (Konok et al., 2024) claimed as it was found that relying on digital devices as calming tools (digital pacifiers) may lead to poorer anger control and less effortful self-regulation a year later. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo This is because emotional coping requires guided practice, not appeasement via screens. Know parenting shifts that end tantrums without yelling (Image: iStock) As per PMC – Behavioral Interventions for Anger, Irritability and Aggression, Parent Management Training (PMT) Techniques focused on positive reinforcement, ignoring attention-seeking tantrums and consistent consequences, has been validated across 100+ randomised controlled studies and shows sustained improvements. The researchers found that PMT aims to reduce the child's aggression by improving parental competence, giving praise for appropriate behaviour, ignoring maladaptive attention-seeking behaviour and using consistent consequences. Structured behaviour-shaping strategies help break tantrum patterns and support emotional growth. In an interview with TOI, Dr Archika Didi, PhD in Meditation and Yogic Science and Vice Chairperson of Vishwa Jagriti Mission, explained how small daily changes can lead to long-term results and move from tear-filled chaos to calmer, emotionally resonant routines that empower both parent and child in everyday life. Self-parenting in managing your reactions Start leading by example. Following the practice of self-parenting can be helpful. Once you learn to manage your reactions and control your emotions, it will help you calm down and engage with your kids peacefully. Instead of coming home tired and frustrated, give yourself some time to ease out from the stress of office and then enter the house. This will prevent strong display of emotion in the house, also you will be able to answer your kid's concerns calmly. Validate the feeling, not always the behaviour Parenting tweaks that instantly diffuse tantrums, backed by science (Image: iStock) Children, especially when young, are ruled by their emotions. When your child is upset, the instinct may be to correct their behaviour immediately. A more effective habit is to first validate their underlying feeling. Simple phrases like, "I can see you are outraged that playtime is over," or "It's disappointing when we can't have what we want, isn't it?" create a powerful connection. This doesn't mean you condone hitting or screaming. It means you see their inner world, which makes them feel safe and understood, and more receptive to guidance on their behaviour. Create intentional moments of quiet Our world is saturated with noise and overstimulation. A crucial habit for mental well-being is to intentionally create pockets of quiet in your child's day. This could be five minutes of silent car rides, a 'no-devices' period after school, or simply sitting together and watching the clouds. These moments of stillness help reduce sensory overload and teach children to be comfortable with their own thoughts, fostering focus and inner calm. Nurture their expression beyond words Get creative while helping your kids to express their thoughts and emotions. Channelising their feelings in the right direction is essential. Engaging in creative activities such as pottery making, painting, and sketching can be beneficial. This provides a healthy outlet and reinforces the message that all emotions are valid and can be processed constructively. Share stories of great personalities Habits form the nature of an individual. To instil positive traits, make it a daily or weekly habit to tell stories about great personalities. Reading books is yet another way to make them aware about the real-world heroes, their positive traits that helped them become so. Stories have a strong impact, and starting this at an early age will make the kids keener to learn and adopt virtues like courage, kindness, and integrity within their developing samskara. Connect before you correct When a child is in the midst of a tantrum, their logical brain is offline. In these moments, attempting to lecture or discipline is futile. A more effective habit is to "connect before you correct." This means getting down to their level, offering a hug or a calm presence, and helping them co-regulate their emotions. Once they are calm, their brain is ready to learn, and you can then discuss what happened and what could be done differently next time. Name and tame the 'brain-bully' Teach your child that they are not their thoughts. A simple way to do this is to personify negative or anxious thoughts as a "Worry Monster" or a "Brain-Bully." When your child expresses a fear or a negative self-perception, you can say, "That sounds like the Worry Monster talking. What can we say back to it?" This habit creates a slight separation between your child and their thoughts, empowering them with the understanding that they can control their brain and choose which thoughts to believe. Adopting these habits in your daily life will not only help you evolve and become a better human being, but it will also set an example for your kids, making you their inspiration and motivation. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Janmashtami 2025: Significance of Dahi Handi celebration during Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated on August 16, 2025, features the vibrant Dahi Handi tradition. This event involves teams forming human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, symbolizing Krishna's childhood fondness for butter. Dahi, a staple in Indian cuisine, offers culinary versatility, health benefits, and cultural significance. The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is here. The day commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This year, the festival falls on August 16, 2025. The festival is incomplete without the elaborate Chhapan Bhog (56 dishes) offered to please the Lord. And another thing that is an integral part of the festival is the event of Dahi Handi. Let us explore its meaning and significance, as well as the art of making a perfect dahi at home. What is Dahi Handi? Dahi Handi is a traditional festive event associated with Krishna Janmashtami. In this event, a group of participants, called Govinda Pathaks, form a human pyramid to reach and break the pot filled with curd, butter, or other dairy products. This pot, or "handi," is suspended high above the ground, making it a challenge to reach. The event is particularly popular in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, but it is celebrated with equal fervour in many other parts of India. The event is lively, with music, cheering crowds, and sometimes prizes for the team that succeeds. What does 'Dahi Handi' contain? Traditionally, it contains Lord Krishna's favourites like yoghurt, nuts, ghee, and makhan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Historical and cultural significance The tradition of Dahi Handi is deeply rooted in the stories of Lord Krishna's early life in Gokul. As a child, Lord Krishna was known for his love of butter and would often steal it from the homes of his neighbors. The young Krishna, often referred to as "Makhan Chor" or "butter thief," and his friends would form human pyramids to break pots of butter hung from the ceilings to keep them out of his reach. This act of stealing butter is symbolic of Krishna's playful nature and his love for simple pleasures. Dahi Handi, therefore, is a reenactment of these playful exploits of Krishna and serves as a reminder of the divine child's charm and innocence. It also symbolizes the victory of courage, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that Krishna embodied throughout his life. Also Read: 11 traditional dishes prepared during the festival What else it means? In the contemporary context, participating in Dahi Handi is not just about winning the competition; it is also a display of strength, unity, and strategy. Forming a human pyramid is a challenging task that requires immense physical strength, balance, and coordination among the team members. It is said that the event also fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity among the participants, as each member of the team must trust and rely on one another to reach the top. It also signifies that together with trust and support of friends and family, one can surpass all hurdles and attain new heights in life through determination and teamwork. Why is Dahi indispensable? According to chef Sanjeev Kapoor's blog post, there are 5 reasons that proves dahi to be indispensable Culinary Uses: Dahi is a staple in many Indian dishes. It can be used to make raita, a cooling side dish or as a base for marinades enhancing the flavour and tenderness of meats and vegetables. It is also essential in making dishes like kadhi and dahi vada. Health benefits: Dahi is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. It aids digestion, boosts the immune system and can help in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Cooling effect: In hot climates, dahi is often consumed to cool the body. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink like lassi or buttermilk, which helps to hydrate and cool down the body during summer. Skincare: Dahi is used in various beauty treatments. Its natural properties can help soothe sunburn, moisturise the skin, and even out skin tone. It's often used in homemade face masks and scrubs for its exfoliating and hydrating benefits. Cultural significance: beyond its practical uses, dahi holds cultural importance in many Indian rituals and festivals. Also Read: 5 diabetes-friendly sweet recipes for Janmashtami bhog How to make perfect dahi In his post, he has explained the art of making perfect dahi as well. All you have to do is heat a liter of full cream milk, bring it to a boil and reduce to around four cups. Remove from heat and cool it till it comes to a temperature of 45 degrees. Add one tablespoon of thick yogurt and mix evenly with a spoon or churn/whisker. Transfer the mixture into an earthenware pot and allow it to sit in a warm place (at 43 degrees) for four hours in summer and otherwise may take longer. In winter or in places at higher altitudes one can always wrap the pot in which you are setting the yogurt in a blanket or a similar warm wrapping. Always remove a small quantity aside for setting the yogurt for the following day before you consume the rest. Refrigerate once set. All Images Courtesy: istock Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
