Rao Narbir lays stone of biodiversity park in Rewari; MLA, dist BJP chief stay away

Haryana Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife Rao Narbir Singh laid the foundation stone of Rao Mohar Singh Biodiversity Park and Amrit Sarovar at Budhpur village in the district on Friday.

The naming of the biodiversity park — the second of its kind in the state — after Rao Mohar Singh, grandfather of Rao Narbir Singh, is likely to boost the minister’s clout in the Ahirwal belt. Nonetheless, factionalism in the ruling party came to the fore again as prominent local leaders of the BJP, including Rewari MLA Laxman Singh Yadav and BJP district president Vandana Popli, stayed away from the ceremony.

Questioned about their absence from the event, the minister maintained that Yadav was an MLA just like him, but he did not know whether the organisers had invited him. Regarding the absence of BJP district president, Rao Narbir said she might have some political compulsion.

Addressing the gathering, Rao Narbir said the park is a significant gift to the region. “This 30-acre park will feature over 150 species of trees and plants, including medicinal plants. The park will include an open gym and other amenities. The park will significantly benefit the local population,” said the minister.

He appealed to the villagers to support the state government and Forest Department in the development of the park. “Everyone should participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by the Prime Minister. All of us should plant as many saplings as possible and take care of them until they become trees,” he stated.

The minister also exhorted the villagers to boycott polythene bags and use jute or cloth bags. Rao Narbir said the government is also working towards environmental protection by developing medicinal forests and running plantation campaigns.