Latest news with #EkPedMaaKeNaam
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
CG now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
Raipur: Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, "Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares." "What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate," added Dayanand. "Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos," Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. "Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project," said an official.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
RAIPUR:Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, 'Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares.' 'What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate,' added Dayanand. 'Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos,' Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. 'Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project,' said an official. Chhattisgarh vs Odisha and Jharkhand: A Revenue Reality Check While Chhattisgarh leads in GDP share, its mineral revenue lags behind Odisha. In FY 2024-25: Odisha's mining revenue: ₹45,000 crore Chhattisgarh's mining revenue: ₹14,000 crore Jharkhand (not detailed in source but generally lower than Odisha)
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
NDMC launches ‘Swachhta se Swatantrata Tak' campaign to mark ‘Independence' month
New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Monday launched a month-long campaign titled 'Swachhta se Swatantrata Tak' to celebrate Independence Day through a wide range of cleanliness and citizen-engagement activities from August 1 to 31. The initiative aims to promote civic responsibility, environmental stewardship and community participation, the NDMC said in a statement. 'This campaign is not just about cleanliness but a tribute to the spirit of freedom through collective action,' it added. Key activities under the campaign will include intensive cleanliness drives across markets, schools, hospitals and religious places, awareness rallies, street plays and digital campaigns. Plogging drives (a combination of jogging and picking up litter), exhibitions, essay competitions and community pledge events will also be held. Each department of the NDMC has been assigned specific responsibilities. The Health Department will lead cleanliness drives in JJ clusters and religious sites, organise plogging events with NGOs and felicitate sanitation workers. Additionally, the Civil Engineering Department will undertake deep cleaning of lakes, restoration of monuments, flyover beautification and graffiti competitions. NDMC-run schools will take part in the 'Each One Clean One' initiative, under which each school will adopt a public area to maintain cleanliness. Approximately 28,000 students will participate in clean campus drives and plogging activities. International Youth Day will also be celebrated during the campaign. The civic body will lead awareness efforts through radio, newspapers, LED displays and social media. Special features include a patriotic movie screening for NDMC staff on August 13 and a public screening on the freedom movement at Regal Building on August 14. Other departments will contribute as well — the IT Department will amplify the campaign online, Horticulture will conduct plantation drives under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' theme, and the Enforcement Department will run anti-encroachment and wall defacement prevention drives. The campaign will also emphasise grievance redressal, with strict targets to ensure no public complaint remains unresolved during the month. NDMC urged residents, traders and institutions to actively participate and make the national capital a cleaner, greener symbol of collective freedom.
Time of India
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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.
