Grow maximum trees to save environment, Haryana CM Nayab Saini urges people

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Ambala, July 14

Expressing concern over rising pollution and temperature, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday urged people to grow maximum trees. The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering during the Raahgiri programme near Herbal Park here.

Saini rode a cycle near the PWD rest house in the city and took part in games to motivate youngsters to take up sports and stay away from drugs.

He said, “Events like Raahgiri not only foster a sense of unity and harmony among people but are also effective in making the youth mentally and physically strong. The Raahgiri programme helps spread the message of staying healthy and staying away from drugs.”

Various sports activities and street plays were organised during the event. The Chief Minister facilitated international gymnast Yogeshwar Singh and judo player Surender Singh.

Saini also planted a sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign being run by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department.

He said, “On June 5, World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. The same campaign has been launched in Haryana and it will run during the monsoon by all educational institutions, social-religious organisations and government departments.”

While interacting with mediapersons, the Chief Minister, said, “Increasing pollution and temperature have been a matter of concern. Over the past 10 years, 18 crore saplings have been planted in the state and this year alone, more than 1.5 crore saplings will be planted.”

Through Agroforestry, saplings have also been planted in fields. The government will appoint 50,000 Van Mitras with the aim to increase the number of trees and safeguard the environment. The government will give Rs 20 per tree to the Van Mitra for planting the sapling and their protection. I urge people to plant more saplings to keep the environment clean and reduce the rising temperature. People should also take care of saplings until they become trees,” he added.

During the event, officials of the Forest Department distributed more than 5,000 fruit and shade-giving saplings.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister visited stalls setup by various departments and institutions on the occasion.

Minister of State for Transport and Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel, BJP district chief Mandeep Rana, Divisional Commissioner Geeta Bharti, DIG Pankaj Nain, Ambala Mayor Shakti Rani Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Dr Shaleen, MC Commissioner Sangeeta Tetarwal, and several other officials were present.