What happened at Haryana’s 77th Van Mahotsav (Manesar)

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav attended Haryana’s 77th Van Mahotsav organised at Manesar, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and State Minister for Environment and Forests Rao Narbir Singh among other dignitaries. During the address, Bhupender Yadav congratulated Haryana’s efforts to make Gurugram a “green city” alongside its development. He also noted that he had reviewed air quality in Haryana a few days earlier and that Haryana had taken cognisance of his recommendations to carry them forward.

Bhupender Yadav highlighted a set of actions connected to air pollution prevention and environmental management, including: Housing societies: establish solid waste management rules to manage waste better. Industries: install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to continuously track emissions, and install Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) to reduce pollution from industrial sources. Urban mobility: implement smart traffic management to reduce congestion-related pollution. Greening: undertake greening activities as part of air quality improvement efforts.

On Aravalli protection, Bhupender Yadav said Haryana was working on Centre’s recommendations aimed at protecting the Aravallis and preventing air pollution. He also stressed the importance of grasslands and woodlands for soil conservation and for maintaining the water table, and he stated that good work had been done in Haryana in this regard.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described Van Mahotsav as more than a sapling-planting programme, and connected environmental protection with India’s long-standing cultural respect for nature. He referred to Prime Minister’s tree-planting mantra “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and stated a target of 1.4 crore trees for Haryana for the year of celebration, with participation of different stakeholders. Saini also described a key event feature: District-Level Van Mahotsav programmes were simultaneously organised across all districts of Haryana. During the event, dignitaries planted saplings, administered the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” pledge, and released two publications—“Haryana Forest News” and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.

The event also included winners of quiz, painting and other competitions on the theme “Swachh Haryana, Harit Haryana”, which were awarded.

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