Manesar (Haryana), August : Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav attended Haryana's 77th Van Mahotsav celebrations at Manesar on Friday, where he commended the state government for its efforts to strengthen environmental conservation, improve air quality, and restore the Aravalli ecosystem.

The event was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, State Environment and Forest Minister Shri Rao Narbir Singh, public representatives, and senior government officials. The dignitaries planted saplings, administered the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" pledge, and released two publications—"Haryana Forest News" and "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam." Winners of quiz, painting, and other competitions held under the theme "Swachh Haryana, Harit Haryana" were also felicitated.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav congratulated the Haryana Government for its commitment to transforming Gurugram into not only a millennium city but also a green and environmentally sustainable city. He appreciated the state's proactive implementation of the Centre's recommendations aimed at protecting the Aravalli hills and reducing air pollution.

The Minister said he had recently reviewed Haryana's air quality and was pleased that the state had acted upon several recommendations. These include implementing solid waste management systems in housing societies, installing Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) in industries, introducing smart traffic management measures, and expanding greening initiatives.

Shri Yadav also highlighted the ecological importance of grasslands and forests in conserving soil, improving groundwater recharge, and maintaining environmental balance. He noted that Haryana has made encouraging progress in these areas.

The Union Minister also congratulated Haryana's sportspersons, particularly women athletes, for bringing pride to the nation through their performances at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Van Mahotsav is not merely a tree plantation programme but an opportunity to repay humanity's debt to nature. He emphasized that environmental conservation has been an integral part of India's cultural heritage for thousands of years, where nature has traditionally been revered and worshipped.

The Chief Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", under which Haryana has set an ambitious target of planting 1.4 crore saplings during the current year with active participation from government departments, institutions, and citizens.

He called upon people to collectively contribute towards restoring the Aravalli hills, stressing that protecting forests is essential for preserving biodiversity, groundwater resources, and ecological balance.

A key feature of this year's Van Mahotsav was the simultaneous organisation of district-level plantation programmes across all districts of Haryana. The events witnessed participation from Union and State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Chairpersons of Boards and Corporations, Deputy Commissioners, and other public representatives, making it one of the largest coordinated plantation drives in the state.

The celebrations reinforced the Government's commitment to environmental conservation, afforestation, and public participation in building a greener and more sustainable Haryana.