Chandigarh: Haryana's Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij said that while planting more and more trees is essential, protecting and nurturing them is equally important to make the Earth greener and healthier.
Vij was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the district-level Van Mahotsav programme organized by the Forest Department at Dussehra Ground on Rambagh Road, Ambala, today. Before addressing the gathering, he inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling. Ambala City Mayor Akshita Saini, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice Chairman of the Trade Welfare Board Rakesh Bindal, and several other dignitaries also participated in the plantation drive.
'Ek ped maa ke naam' Reflects the Deep Vision of Prime Minister Modi: Vij
Vij said that although the plantation drive was carried out today under the scorching sun, had these trees been planted 25–30 years ago, people would not have had to endure such intense heat today. Referring to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign launched in 2024, Vij said that understanding Prime Minister Modi's vision requires deep thought and reflection, as his messages often carry profound meaning.
He explained that the campaign symbolizes gratitude towards both our mothers. One mother gives us birth, nurtures and educates us, while the other—Mother Earth—provides us with food, fruits, flowers, and all the essential resources required for life. Both mothers nurture humanity and deserve our utmost respect and care.
₹50 Lakh Announced for Construction of Footpath Around Dussehra Ground
During the programme, Vij announced ₹50 lakh from his discretionary fund for the construction of a footpath along the boundary wall surrounding Dussehra Ground. He said the footpath would encourage citizens to visit the ground for morning and evening walks while enjoying the greenery and landscaped surroundings. He also directed officials of the Forest Department and the Municipal Council to jointly plant flowering shrubs and ornamental plants around the premises.
Highlighting ongoing development works in Ambala Cantonment, Vij said that Netaji Subhash Park has emerged as one of the finest parks in the region and attracts a large number of visitors every day. He further announced that an e-library would soon be established there, and tenders for a food court would also be floated shortly.
Life Cannot Be Imagined Without Trees: Vij
The Minister said that life on Earth is unimaginable without trees and plants, as they are indispensable for human survival. Trees provide oxygen, the very foundation of life. He remarked that although science has made tremendous progress and developed oxygen concentrators, even these devices ultimately depend upon the oxygen available in the atmosphere, which is sustained by trees. He emphasized that trees were the Earth's original inhabitants, whereas human activities have continuously reduced green cover by indiscriminate felling. To maintain ecological balance, he said, it is imperative not only to plant more trees but also to ensure their survival.
Plant Trees Wherever Space Is Available: Vij
Vij said that around 3.6 million saplings were planted in Ambala district last year. To ensure adequate oxygen for every individual, every available piece of vacant land should be utilized for plantation. He informed that BJP workers across all four organizational mandals of Ambala Cantonment had identified vacant spaces and undertaken plantation drives. Continuing this initiative, more saplings were planted today under the Van Mahotsav programme.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to guide the nation through his visionary ideas and timely leadership. Referring to the recent developments in Delhi, he said that the Prime Minister handled the situation with wisdom and restraint. Vij reiterated that the "Ek ped maa ke naam" campaign should become a people's movement, where every citizen plants a tree and takes responsibility for its protection.
Forest Department Should Also Report How Many Trees Survive Every Year: Vij
Vij said that while the Forest Department regularly reports the number of trees planted every year, it should also provide data on how many of those trees survive. He noted that trees hold immense religious, cultural and medicinal significance in Indian tradition. Tulsi (Holy Basil) has been revered as a sacred plant and is widely recognized for its medicinal and antibacterial properties. The Peepal tree is known for releasing oxygen throughout the day and night, and Vij said that even the United Nations has recognized the importance of conserving Peepal trees.
He added that India's sages regarded the Peepal tree as sacred, and even today cutting a Peepal tree is considered sinful in Indian tradition. Similarly, the Banyan tree holds great spiritual significance, as Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath one. The Neem tree is equally valued for its medicinal benefits. Besides providing shade, trees also serve as homes for countless birds and wildlife.
Tree Plantation Drives Being Conducted Across Haryana Under Van Mahotsav: Vij
Vij said that tree plantation drives are being organized throughout Haryana under the Van Mahotsav campaign. He appealed to every citizen to plant more trees and ensure their protection. He also urged the district administration and the public to gift saplings instead of conventional presents on birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
On the occasion, Vij honoured the winners of the Eco Quiz Competition by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. He also requested the administration that in future, winners of competitions and other award recipients should be presented with saplings as symbols of environmental responsibility.
Divisional Forest Officer Naresh Ranga informed that around 130 saplings were planted during the programme, while nearly 10,000 saplings were distributed among schools.
Among those present were SDM Darshan Kumar, Mayor Akshita Saini, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice Chairperson Lalta Prasad, Executive Officer Devendra Narwal, Trade Welfare Board Vice Chairman Rakesh Bindal, DFO Naresh Ranga, BJP leaders Harsh Bindra, Ravi Buddhiraja, Pravesh Sharma, Vikas Behl, Bijendra Chauhan, Balwinder Singh Shahpur, Sudarshan Sehgal, Jasbir Jassi, Deepak Bhasin, Balkesh Vats, Aarti Sehgal, Shiva Kakran, Rajiv Dimple, Neeru Chauhan, Sanjeev Walia, B.S. Bindra, Shyam Sunder Arora, Sanjeev Atri, Sanjeev Soni, Vipin Khanna, Fakir Chand Saini, Madan Lal Sharma, Ashish Agrawal, Puneet Sarpal, Ram Babu Yadav, Narendra Rana, along with other dignitaries and party functionaries.