Panchkula, Jul 21 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday called for making environmental protection a people’s movement and urged every citizen, especially the youth, to plant and nurture at least one tree every year.
Addressing a youth interaction and tree plantation programme at the Apple Market in Pinjore here, Saini said protecting nature has always been a part of Indian culture and traditions.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, he appealed to people to actively participate in tree plantation drives.
The chief minister planted saplings and flagged off four LED vans under the Van Chetna Yatra-2026, which will travel across Haryana to spread awareness about environmental conservation and encourage tree plantation.
Saini announced that 1,000 youths would be included under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana and that a special officer would be appointed in the Chief Minister’s Office to address youth-related issues.
He also announced that Tikkar Taal in Morni would be developed as a mountaineering training centre on the lines of Manali.
A dedicated power substation, parking facilities and enhanced security would also be provided for the Pinjore Apple Market.
Highlighting the state’s green initiatives, Saini said Haryana is providing an annual assistance of Rs 3,000 per tree under the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme for trees older than 75 years.
He said Oxy-Vans are being developed at district headquarters, while tree plantation is being promoted through schemes such as Panchvati, Shehar Gaon Pedon Ki Chhaon, Har Ghar Hariyali and Paudhgiri.
One youth from every village has also been designated as a Vriksh Mitra to promote tree conservation.
The chief minister said 53 herbal parks have been developed across the state for conservation of medicinal plants and biodiversity.
He added that Sultanpur National Park and Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary have been recognised as Ramsar sites.
Forest, Environment and Industries Minister Rao Narbir Singh urged every citizen to plant and nurture at least two trees.
He said Haryana’s new industrial policy has started yielding positive results, with investment proposals exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore already received against the target of Rs 5 lakh crore to Rs 6 lakh crore, which would generate large-scale employment opportunities for the youth. PTI VSD APL APL
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