Collective efforts required to address climate change: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has expressed concern over climate change and said that collective efforts and large-scale plantation are required to address the issue.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the 76th state-level Van Mahotsav at Seonsar village in Kurukshetra.

The CM said Van Mahotsav is not just an event, but it is a mark of gratitude towards nature, an acceptance of our duty and a pledge to ensure a healthy future for the coming generations. It reminds us that trees are not just a source of wood, but a new source of life.

CM Nayab Saini said, “Climate change is one of the major environmental issues in the world. Untimely rains and excessive hot temperature are matters of concern and reduction in the land under forests is a major reason behind these issues. To address these issues, we have to get connected with nature. In our culture, we worship trees, rivers and mountains. Nature is the basis of life and protecting it must always remain our top priority. Every tree we plant is a new source of life and a symbol of hope.”

The CM shared that various efforts and schemes have been launched to increase the forest cover and said that the Haryana Government has set ambitious targets, including planting 2.1 crore saplings across the state, which are to be achieved with collective efforts.

Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Flora and Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari. He also released the ‘Triphala’ booklet and unveiled the Haryana Wildlife Map, Kurukshetra Wildlife Map and five books prepared by the Forest Department.

Nayab Saini said, “This is the third event in the series of this year’s state-level Van Mahotsav celebrations. Various programmes are also being held at the district level across the state with active participation from local people and students. The government has taken strict action to curb illegal tree felling and ensure wildlife protection.”

The Chief Minister appealed to gram panchayats, municipal bodies and social organisations to turn tree plantation into a mass movement.

Nayab Saini also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said, “It is concerning that the Opposition’s role today is only to find faults. Earlier, they used to blame EVMs for their defeat and now, they have started claiming that the votes were stolen. The citizens of the country have rejected them because they failed to live up to expectations.”

Winners of various competitions organised by the Forest Department were honoured by the Chief Minister.

Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal, former Minister of State Subhash Sudha, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board vice-chairperson Dhuman Singh and several BJP leaders were present on this occasion.

Saini said that the government is working to preserve the cultural heritage of Pehowa and develop it as a grand and scenic tourist destination.

He was speaking at a programme organised at Brahmsar (Brahma Sarovar) located at Thana village. He inspected the pilgrimage site and planted a sapling in the government school. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the village’s development and assured the sarpanch that the demands mentioned in the memorandum would be fulfilled.

The Chief Minister said, “Among these heritage sites, the Brahma Sarovar is a symbol of our culture and it is the government’s responsibility to preserve it. An important aspect is that Brahma Sarovar and the surrounding pilgrimage site, spread over about 102 acres, attract migratory birds from across the country and abroad during certain seasons, highlighting its significance. To preserve this, the government is undertaking the renovation and conservation of pilgrimage sites so that future generations can witness this cultural heritage.”