Chandigarh – Haryana's Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh said this year, World Environment Day and Van Mahotsav have proven historic for the state in many ways. People turned tree plantation into a public movement, not only ensuring their participation in environmental protection but also demonstrating their responsibility towards nature. Expressing gratitude to the people of the state, he called upon everyone to plant at least two saplings under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Ek Ped Apne Naam' and to protect them until they grow into full trees.
He said that the monsoon is the most suitable time for planting saplings and sowing seeds. Our goal should not just be planting saplings, but nurturing them regularly until they become trees. Just as a mother cares for her child in the early years, every person must take care of the sapling they plant for 5-6 years.
Rao Narbir Singh said that climate change has today become a serious challenge for the entire world. To tackle this challenge, the Haryana government has for the first time made a budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore for the Green Climate Resilience Fund. A target has been set to plant 2.10 crore saplings in the state, while the planting of an additional 20 lakh saplings has also been approved under the CAMPA scheme.
He said that Van Mahotsav, which began in 1950, has today become a national campaign for environmental protection. This year, on the occasion of the 77th Van Mahotsav and World Environment Day, the widespread participation of people in programmes organized at the state and district levels has given new strength to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve for a Green India. Haryana will play an important role in the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047, and with this objective in mind, the state government is preparing action plans up to the year 2030 in line with the Viksit Haryana document.
The Forest Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana government is prioritizing environmental protection, green energy, clean transportation, and climate-friendly development. The government's aim is not just economic growth, but also to give future generations a clean environment and a better life.
He said the proposed Green Climate Resilience Fund will promote zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, urban greening, climate-friendly agriculture, and nature-based solutions. This will give new momentum to innovation and investment in the field of environmental protection, alongside pollution control.