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Hindustan Times
03-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Union ministers launches for 750a urban forest ‘Matri Van' in Gurugram
Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Bhupender Yadav on Saturday laid the foundation stone of Matri Van, a 750-acre theme-based urban forest to be developed near Sector 54 in Gurugram to revive the ecological health of the Aravalli hills and enhance green cover across the National Capital Region, officials said. Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar (left), along with minister Bhupendra Yadav (centre), and minister Rao Narbir Singh (right) at Garat Pur Bas village on Saturday. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) The forest, envisioned as a 'green heart' of Delhi-NCR, is part of the central government's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. It is expected to function as a natural carbon sink, enhance air quality, and offer ecological relief to the rapidly urbanising region. The project is targeted for completion within five years. Inspecting the site near Sakatpur village, Union environment minister Yadav described the initiative as an 'urban lung' for Gurugram. 'Under the Green Aravalli Project, we're bringing back local biodiversity across 29 districts in five states. Matri Van will not only rejuvenate the fragile Aravalli ecosystem but also create a green legacy for generations to come,' he said. Union housing and urban affairs minister Khattar emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental sustainability. 'Gurugram must become a symbol of green growth. This project is not just about planting trees—it's about nurturing a sustainable future,' he said, encouraging citizens to become Van Mitras (friends of the forest) and support its long-term upkeep. The event drew schoolchildren, NGOs, RWAs, CSR teams, and volunteers—signalling community ownership of the project. As air quality deteriorates and green space vanishes in Gurugram, Matri Van seeks to embed climate resilience into urban planning, officials said. Safari vital for eco-tourism push Matri Van forms part of a broader green infrastructure drive that includes an ambitious 10,000-acre jungle safari project spanning the Gurugram and Nuh districts, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years. On Saturday, Union ministers Khattar and Yadav also inspected the proposed safari site near Sakatpur village. Speaking at the location, Khattar said the project has the potential to significantly boost tourism in Haryana. 'The jungle safari will play a key role in preserving the natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical heritage of the Aravalli mountain range passing through the state. It will be developed with world-class facilities, making it a popular destination for tourists,' he said, adding that the safari will be implemented in four phases, with Phase 1 covering 2,500 acres. The project, he added, will promote ecotourism, support wildlife conservation, and provide local employment. minister Yadav assured full central support for the initiative and held detailed discussions with Khattar and senior Haryana forest department officials on the blueprint for Phase 1. The safari will include local tree species and wildlife-friendly ecosystems to sustain biodiversity. A detailed roadmap is being prepared for the staggered rollout, with four entry gates planned: near Sohna on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, on the Tauru–Sohna Road, near Naurangpur, and at Sakatpur village. The ministers also reviewed a documentary and design presentation prepared by the Forest Department for Phase 1. CSR partnerships to anchor Matri Van The forest at Matri Van will feature indigenous flora such as banyan, peepal, neem, and gulhar, replacing invasive species like Kabuli Kikar, according to forest conservator Subhash Yadav. The site will also house a Nakshatra Vatika, Rashi Vatika, butterfly park, cactus garden, and other thematic plantations aimed at promoting ecotourism and environmental education. The project will be developed through government–public partnerships, with private industries contributing via their CSR initiatives. Several real estate players have pledged support. Pankaj Singla, vice-president of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Haryana, termed it a step toward 'green urbanism' and said Mapsko Group had adopted a 10-acre patch for plantation. 'This isn't just about restoring land. It's about restoring our relationship with nature,' he said. Harendra Nagar, spokesperson for Paras Buildtech, added, 'This initiative isn't just about planting trees, it's about sowing hope for future generations. Our five-acre plantation drive under the Matri Van mission is a step toward restoring the ecological balance of the Aravallis and igniting a sense of stewardship among citizens.'
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Himachal CM Sukhu unveils Forest Department's green activity calendar
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 23 (ANI): Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released an activity calendar for the Forest Department on Monday, showcasing the wide range of environmental programmes conducted across Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of International Environment Day. According to a release, the Forest Department conducted a series of programmes focused on environment protection and its various aspects in educational institutions across the State. The Forest Department celebrated the Environment Day on the themes of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam' and 'Beat the Plastics' in about 1000 educational institutions across the State and witnessed the participation of more than 50,000 students. The department also carried out cleanliness drives around various offices, involving newly recruited Van Mitras, common people and students. The Chief Minister congratulated the department for successfully executing these initiatives and expressed confidence that the department would continue to work for a clean and sustainable environment. He directed the officers to inform the public about the various departmental schemes and ensure public participation in implementing these policies and programmes. Present on the occasion were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sameer Rastogi and other senior officials of the department. Meanwhile,on Sunday, CM Sukhu said that the state government has launched a vigorous campaign against drug abuse, which is receiving encouraging support from the youth. He added that the government will strengthen this drive and take strict action against drug mafias. He further said that the state government has taken several steps to keep youth away from drugs and promote sports during its tenure. He also felicitated the former Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh Memorial Pro-Boxing International Championship winners, held at the historic Ridge. Indian boxer Yashpal emerged as the champion and made the country proud with his performance. The championship was inaugurated by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and featured five professional boxers each from India and Russia. MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthi, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Vice Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and other dignitaries were present. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Himachal CM lauds forest department for green initiatives across educational institutions
Jun 23, 2025 06:29 PM IST Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released an activity calendar of the forest department highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the department on June 5, on the occasion of International Environment Day across the state on Monday. Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (File) The forest department conducted a series of programmes focused on environment protection and its various aspects in the educational institutions across the state. The forest department celebrated the Environment Day on the themes of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam' and 'Beat the Plastics' in about 1,000 educational institutions across the state and witnessed the participation of more than 50,000 students. The department also carried out cleanliness drives around various offices, involving newly recruited Van Mitras, common people and students. The CM congratulated the department for successfully executing these initiatives and expressed confidence that the department would continue to work for clean and sustainable environment. He directed the officers to aware the public about the various departmental schemes and ensure public participation in implementing these policies and programmes on the ground.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sukhu launches Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, Green Adoption Scheme
Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday launched the 'Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana' and the 'Green Adoption Scheme' from Hamirpur. The 'Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana' aims to increase the green cover by planting fruit-bearing trees on barren and degraded forest areas. It will also generate employment and income for local communities by ensuring the participation of mahila and yuvak mandals, besides the self-help groups, said Sukhu. The CM also handed over certificates to two mahila mandals from Nadaun – Amlehad and Bhawdan – which will carry out the plantation activities on two hectares of forest land and ensure its maintenance for a period of five years. In the initial phase of the 'Green Adoption Scheme', Ambuja group will undertake plantation work on 25 hectares, while the Adani Foundation and UltraTech would adopt 10 hectares each. Sukhu handed over certificates to these organisations as a mark of official recognition. The scheme envisages encouraging private enterprises, corporate houses, and non-govt organisations as a part of their social responsibility to adopt barren forest land and undertake afforestation work. During the event, the CM inspected the passing-out parade of the newly appointed Van Mitras and interacted with them. He said the forest department faced a shortage of field staff, which posed challenges to forest protection. To address this, appointments of Van Mitras were made based on merit, with many young women taking the lead in securing these roles. Sukhu said the state govt was focusing on women empowerment and the reservation for women in police recruitment had been increased to 30%. In Lahaul-Spiti, all key administrative officers, including the deputy commissioner, were women with decision-making authority. The CM urged Van Mitras not to limit their role to forest protection alone but also to engage with rural communities to spread awareness about the importance of forests. He emphasised the need to prevent illegal logging, remain vigilant against forest fires, and contribute actively to plantation drives and forest development initiatives by fostering public participation. The chief minister also announced the opening of three new wellness centres under the municipal corporation of Hamirpur. He also released a souvenir titled 'Samvaad' dedicated to Van Mitras and launched a book titled 'The Mountainous Wilderness of Spiti'. A new mobile application was also launched to facilitate attendance tracking of Van Mitras. MSID:: 121573668 413 |
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
In battle against wild fires, a forest guard in Himachal gives voice to animals, birds with a Punjabi song
With the advent of summer comes the usual bane of Himachal Pradesh — forest fires, both triggered by natural and man-made causes — leading to widespread damage to the flora and fauna. With several forest fires already being reported and as the state forest department readies for the battle ahead, a forest guard in state came up with a question. What if the animals and birds, who become victims to such fires, could speak about their agony. With this thought in mind, Munil Dhiman came up with a song to motivate people to refrain from setting fire to forests. ' Aag la-lal jungla nu naa bejubana marro, saa vi okhai ayone nai, na apna aap bigaro. Aasi che-channdai haan, daso sada ki kasoor, bache sade jhulass gai nai, kain udda gai koso duur. (Don't kill innocent creatures while burning the forests; in the end, there will be no air left to breathe. Don't destroy your today. What is our fault when we live peacefully in the forests? Many of our children are killed in forest fires, while others fly miles away),' goes the song titled 'Jungla Di Aag'. Dhiman released the four-minute, thirty-seven second-long song in Punjabi on Friday, after a a formal approval by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. Dhiman has not only sung the song, he has also set it to music. Posted in the Chowri Forest Range within the Chamba Forest Circle of Dalhousie division, Dhiman says, 'The entire forest department is working on methods to prevent fires during the summer months. Major efforts are being made, including training hundreds of volunteers, Van Mitras (Forest Friends), and others. I, personally, believe that without people's participation — especially by encouraging the youth — we cannot tackle this problem. And what better way to do this than through a song highlighting the plight of innocent creatures who can't speak our language?' 'This song, comprising four stanzas, was penned by Balvir Singh, a relative of one of my friends in Una district. I have written one stanza. I also composed the music. The song has been sung from the perspective of innocent animals and birds, who suffer the most during massive fires. Humans can relocate, but the animals and birds do not have that option,' Dhiman added. Asked why he chose Punjabi over any of the Pahari languages of Himachal Pradesh, he said, 'There are over a dozen Pahari dialects in the state, but Punjabi is the language closest to most of them and is the most popular among the youth, who are our primary target'. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chamba, Rajneesh Mahajan, said, 'This is the first time that an employee of the forest department has made an attempt to raise awareness about the adverse effects of forest fires from the perspective of innocent creatures. The song is one of many efforts being made to educate people against setting forest fires. We all contributed to releasing this song, and we appreciate the initiative taken by our forest guard'. Dhiman has no formal training in music. His father used to sing devotional songs at religious events. Dhiman joined the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department in 2015. Meanwhile, his song 'Jungla Di Aag' had over 3,200 views on YouTube in less than 48 hours of its release.
