Latest news with #VanMahotsav
Time of India
2 days 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 |
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
SCCL continues its green drive in coal belt
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram on Monday planted 204 saplings of fruit bearing tree species in Kothagudem bungalows area in Kothagudem, taking the total number of saplings individually planted by him in the State's coal belt to 19,775. Demonstrating his untiring zeal for increasing green cover in the coal belt, Mr. Balram led the sapling planting drive in the coal town as part of the ongoing 'Van Mahotsav' programme. According to SCCL sources, the State-owned coal mining company distributed lakhs of saplings of fruit bearing trees among people living in the surrounding villages in the coal belt. The SCCL has so far planted 5.47 crore saplings of various tree species on 15,231 hectares and developed mini-forests in various parts of the coal belt spanning across six districts in the State.
Time of India
2 days 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.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan: Jaipur sets record in tree plantation on Hariyali Teej
The Jaipur district administration created a historic record by planting over 42 lakh saplings in a single day on the occasion of Hariyali Teej. Under the Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan, Jaipur topped all 41 districts of the state by doubling its target of 21 lakh plantations. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched the 76th Van Mahotsav by planting a sapling at Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University in Madau, Jaipur. The initiative drew motivation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and transformed the plantation drive into a mass movement. Under the leadership of District Collector Jitendra Kumar Soni, the plantation campaign was executed on a mission mode in Jaipur. According to Deputy Forest Conservator V. Ketan Kumar, a total of 42,02,139 saplings were planted across the district due to an effective action plan and constant monitoring. The drive became an example of cooperation and healthy competition among government departments, agencies, and local bodies. Public participation turned Van Mahotsav into a Jan Mahotsav, with locals enthusiastically joining in, especially in areas like Madhorajpura, where residents celebrated by dancing to folk tunes. The Education Department led the effort by planting 14,58,454 saplings. Other notable contributors included the Forest Department (2,55,218), Pollution Control Board (5,02,229), MNREGA (6,38,973), Local Self Government Department (2,90,928), and both Jaipur Heritage and Greater Municipal Corporations (2,07,217 and 1,05,635 respectively). Many other departments such as Agriculture, Labor, Police, Medical and Health, PWD, Revenue, Panchayati Raj, and Urban Development also made significant contributions, showcasing Jaipur's united front in advancing environmental conservation. The district's record-setting achievement has paved a strong path towards a greener, more sustainable Jaipur. The Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan was launched last year on August 7 on the occasion of Hariyali Teej. The initiative aims to make Rajasthan greener, enhancing the state's environmental health and overall prosperity.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
CM launches drive to plant 50cr trees in 5 years
Jhunjhunu/Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Sunday launched a massive statewide green drive, declaring the goal to plant 50 crore trees in five years under the Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. Addressing a large public gathering at the district-level Van Mahotsav held at Mandawara village in Sikar, the chief minister reiterated his govt's commitment to turning Rajasthan into a greener and more prosperous state. The campaign takes inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', launched last year on World Environment Day, and is now gaining momentum across the state. Sharma said that 10 crore saplings will be planted this year alone through public participation. He added that a record 2.5 crore saplings will be planted in a single day on the occasion of Hariyali Teej. "Last year, we planted over seven crore saplings. PM Modi appreciated our efforts in his Mann Ki Baat. Our work was blessed by nature too, with rains filling dams across the state," said Sharma. He also underlined how the state is reviving the traditional reverence for nature, recalling the legacy of Amrita Devi, who sacrificed her life with her daughters to save trees in the 18th century. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flights, Rentals & Accommodations Hotel Deals | Search Ads Browse Now Undo The CM also announced the establishment of 22 Urban Forests (Nagar Vans) across the state with support from the central govt, with proposals for 18 more already sent. These urban green spaces aim to improve air quality and provide natural havens in densely populated towns. To preserve biodiversity, the state is implementing the One District One Species program, promoting native flora. Under the Aravalli Green Development Project, ₹250 crore is being spent in 19 Aravalli districts to carry out soil works over 3,700 hectares, followed by plantation next year. Special efforts are also being made to green desert districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer. CM Sharma emphasized that the role of every citizen is vital in protecting the environment. "Planting a tree in your mother's name is not just a gesture—it's a movement that can define our future," he said.
