*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reviews progress of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, says healthcare scheme has emerged as boon for Punjab*

*Under MMSY 3.79 lakh patients availed cashless treatment worth ₹654 crore: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*47.27 lakh health cards issued, covering 23.01 lakh families across Punjab under MMSY: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*835 hospitals empanelled under scheme; every Punjab family entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 5th June 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reviewed the progress of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) and said that the flagship healthcare initiative is proving to be a major relief for people across the state, with 3.79 lakh patients already availing cashless treatment worth ₹654 crore under the scheme.

Chairing a review meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for every family in the state. “The scheme has witnessed an overwhelming response from the public and is emerging as a transformative step towards universal healthcare coverage in Punjab,” he noted.

Highlighting the reach of the programme, the Chief Minister stated, “So far, 47.27 lakh health cards have been issued under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, covering 23.01 lakh families across Punjab. Of these cardholders, 48.5 per cent are men and 51.5 per cent are women. Around 31 per cent of the cards have been issued in urban areas, while 69 per cent have been issued in rural areas.”

He said that the Punjab Government is continuously improving the scheme to make it more accessible and user-friendly. “Keeping in view the difficulties being faced by people in downloading their health cards, a dedicated WhatsApp-based facility and a website page are being developed to enable beneficiaries to easily download their e-cards. Similarly, work on a new mobile app-based registration system is also underway and will be completed soon,” he said.

Sharing details of the treatment provided under the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “So far, 3.79 lakh patients have availed free treatment worth ₹654 crore under the scheme in both government and private hospitals.” He further informed that 835 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, including 223 government hospitals and 612 private hospitals, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to quality healthcare services across the state.

Emphasising the scale and significance of the initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched to provide health cards to all 65 lakh families in Punjab. Every family is entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh under this ambitious scheme.”

Describing the scheme as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the state, the Chief Minister said, “This initiative has proved to be a huge blessing for people who otherwise had to spend large amounts from their own pockets on medical treatment. The scheme is ensuring that no family is deprived of quality healthcare due to financial constraints.”

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reviews preparations for rollout of Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna; eligible women to start receiving assistance from July 1*

*Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna to empower 97% women in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt allocates ₹9,300 crore for Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna; all other categories women to receive ₹1,000 per month & SC women ₹1,500 per month: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Registration underway across Punjab through Anganwadi Centres, Sewa Kendras and designated centres; around 2 lakh Mahila Satkar Sakhis engaged in enrolment drive: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 5th June 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday announced that eligible women across the state will start receiving financial assistance under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna from July 1. Reviewing the implementation of the flagship scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative is aimed at strengthening women’s financial independence and ensuring that they live with dignity and self-respect.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, every eligible woman in Punjab will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. “Funds will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, and women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme. Around 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative, and the Punjab Government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the budget for its implementation,” he stated.

Emphasising the larger social significance of the scheme, the Chief Minister said that while the financial assistance may not make women rich, it will provide them with dignity and self-respect. “Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters can help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making,” he said.

Reviewing the progress of the enrolment process, the Chief Minister said that registration has already begun across the state and lakhs of women are being enrolled every day. “Women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month under the scheme. Around two lakh Mahila Satkar Sakhis have been assigned the responsibility of registering eligible beneficiaries,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further informed that registrations are being carried out through Anganwadi Centres, Sewa Kendras and other locations specially designated by Deputy Commissioners in their respective districts. “This initiative will go a long way in empowering women across Punjab and ensuring that they are able to lead their lives with dignity and confidence,” he added.

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*FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA CHAIRS PSTC REVIEW MEETING, ORDERS REDRESSAL OF TRADER GRIEVANCES WITHIN A WEEK*

*Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to personally preside over trader meetings starting next week: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Special DGP (Law and Order) directed to establish dedicated state-level grievance cell for immediate top-level intervention*

*Departments ordered to form secretary-level WhatsApp groups and appoint dedicated nodal offices for speedy resolution*

*Advance notice of at least one week mandated for all district-level meetings to ensure maximum trader participation: Harpal Singh Cheema*

Chandigarh, 5th June, 2026Punjab Finance, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission (PSTC) at Punjab Bhawan, issuing strict directives to ensure all trader grievances are resolved within a one-week timeline. In a major initiative to reinforce the state's business environment, the Finance Minister announced that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal will personally preside over trader interactive sessions starting next week to directly address and strengthen the grievance redressal system.

The review meeting commenced with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation detailing the crucial timelines of past PSTC meetings and the current disposal status of grievances received through these platforms.

Chairing the session in his capacity as the PSTC Chairman, Finance Minister Cheema instructed all related departments to maintain continuous surveillance of the designated portal and ensure that incoming complaints are fully addressed within seven days. To eliminate bureaucratic delays, he directed commission members to form active WhatsApp communication channels with secretary-level officers and mandated the immediate appointment of dedicated nodal officers at the head offices of all concerned state departments.

In a bid to effectively tackle security and operational challenges faced by the business community, the Finance Minister directed the Special DGP (Law and Order) to create a specialized state-level grievance cell within his office. He said, "This dedicated cell will ensure that law and order issues impacting traders receive immediate, high-level administrative intervention and swift resolution."

Furthermore, Finance Minister Cheema emphasised the importance of robust communication with the trading community, directing the PSTC to ensure that notices for district-level meetings are issued well in advance. He said, "The detailed information regarding these meetings must be publicised widely to maximize awareness, specialy the invitation letters from the Chief Minister must reach the respective traders at least one week prior to the scheduled meetings."

Earlier in the session, PSTC Vice Chairman Anil Thakur along with various commission members shared valuable ground-level feedback and insights with the chair.

The high-level meeting was attended by prominent state officials including Financial Commissioner Taxation Ajit Balaji Joshi, Special DGP (Law and Order) P. K. Sinha, Director Food and Civil Supplies B Srinivasan, Taxation Commissioner Jatindera Jorwal, Secretary PSTC Pueet Goel, Director Local Bodies A. S. Brar, Special Secretary Labour Ravinder Singh, and other senior representatives from various state government departments.

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*BHAGWANT MANN GOVERNMENT ACCELERATES RANGLA PUNJAB VIKAS SCHEME WITH STRICT TIMELINES AND ACCOUNTABILITY: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*

*Sets June 10 deadline to start Phase 2 works with strict July 31 completion target: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Proposals for Phase 3 must be submitted within two days or development grants will be frozen for undue delay: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Chief Secretary warns of strict action against implementing agencies for delayed bills, ACS demands immediate Utilization Certificates*

CHANDIGARH, 5th JUNE 2026-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday ordered all deputy commissioners across the state to commence development works under the second phase of the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme by June 10 and ensure their absolute completion by July 31, while warning that funding for the third phase will be completely stopped for any area failing to submit proposals within the next two days.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the scheme via video conferencing from Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also directed the secretaries of all concerned departments to maintain strict oversight so that their respective projects strictly adhere to this timeline.

Emphasising that none will be allowed to bottleneck state's development progress, Finance Minister Cheema firmly said, "The two-day window for Phase 3 proposals is final, and accountability will be enforced. If the oroposals for Phase 3 not submitted within two days the development grants for the concerned areas will be frozen for undue delay."

Additionally, the Finance Minister instructed the deputy commissioners to strategically plan and execute these works with special consideration for the upcoming rainy season to prevent weather-related disruptions or delay to ongoing infrastructure projects.

Echoing the call for administrative discipline, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha directed the deputy commissioners to ensure that all financial bills for completed works are processed and submitted in a timely manner. The Chief Secretary made it clear that the entire responsibility for any administrative delay would be fixed directly onto the defaulting implementing agency, promising swift and strict disciplinary action against those who lapse.

Furthering the push for financial transparency, Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar ordered the immediate submission of all pending Utilization Certificates (UCs) for previously completed works. She instructed the deputy commissioners to establish a permanent, time-bound mechanism ensuring that all future UCs are filed promptly to maintain a seamless flow of development funds across Punjab.

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*Building a Food-Secure Future: Synchronizing Policy & Plate*

*Punjab State Food Commission Reviews Nutritional Gardens, School Health Programs & Public Awareness on NFSA, 2013*

*Meeting chaired by Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma stresses grassroots implementation and inter-departmental coordination*

*Chandigarh, June 5:*A high-level review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission, to assess the progress and implementation of Nutritional Gardens in schools, School Health Programs, and awareness initiatives under the National Food Security Act, 2013 across the state.

The meeting took stock of the establishment and functioning of Nutritional Gardens in government schools as a means to promote dietary diversity and inculcate healthy eating habits among children. The Chairman emphasized that these gardens should not remain symbolic but must be integrated into the school curriculum to provide students with hands-on learning about nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

Officials were also directed to ensure regular maintenance, cleanliness of kitchens, adequate training for cooks engaged with regard to prepare the Mid-Day Meals in order to ensure nutritious food for the children.

On the School Health Program, the Commission reviewed measures being undertaken for health screening, growth monitoring, and hygiene practices in schools. The Chairman stressed the importance of early identification of malnutrition and coordinated action between the Departments of Health, Education, and Food & Civil Supplies to address nutritional deficiencies at the school level.

The Commission also evaluated the awareness campaign on the provisions of the NFSA, 2013*, including entitlements under the Public Distribution System, grievance redressal mechanisms, and food safety standards. It was noted that sustained outreach through Panchayati Raj Institutions, self-help groups, and community participation is essential to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are informed of their rights and can access benefits without barriers. The Chairman directed district-level officers to intensify IEC activities and adopt innovative channels such as local media, schools, and Anganwadi centers for wider dissemination.

Concluding the meeting, the Chairman laid, emphasis on conduct of monthly review, meetings at the District level on above said issues and revealed that the top 3 Schools and Anganwadis would be acknowledged at the State level.

The Chairman further reiterated that food security is integral to human dignity and called for inter-departmental coordination and timely reporting to strengthen transparency and accountability in implementation. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach to ensure that no child or household is deprived of the right to adequate and nutritious food.

Among others present on the occasion included the Commission Members Vijay Dutt, Jasvir Singh Sekhon and Member Secretary Kanu

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*AMAN ARORA FELICITATES MAI BHAGO PREPARATORY INSTITUTE CADETS FOR REMARKABLE FEAT IN AIR FORCE ACADEMY & NDA MERIT LISTS*

*• “377 cadets from Maharaja Ranjit Singh & Mai Bhago Preparatory Institutes granted commission in Armed Forces since 2022”, Aman Arora hails indomitable spirit of Punjab’s youth*

*• Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni AFPI in Hoshiarpur to be inaugurated soon, says Employment Generation Minister*

Chandigarh, June 5:Punjab Government celebrated a landmark day for women in defence services as Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Vikas Pratap, on Friday, honoured two Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute cadets for remarkable achievements in Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and National Defence Academy (NDA) merit lists.

Farmer’s daughter Mehakpreet Kaur topped the country to secure All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the Air Force Academy merit list, while Komalpreet Kaur sealed AIR-18 for entry into NDA, Khadakwasla, marking a major milestone for women in defence services.

Addressing the felicitation ceremony held here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Aman Arora hailed the indomitable spirit of Punjab’s daughters. “To be ranked first in AFCAT and 18th NDA exams among lakhs aspirants, takes fire in the belly. Our daughters have that fire,” he said.

He said that the success story doesn’t end here. Since 2022, 377 cadets from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Preparatory Institute have earned commission as officers in Indian armed forces. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government took a path-breaking step in 2023 by starting an NDA Preparatory Wing for girls at Mai Bhago AFPI. He further highlighted that Punjab remains the only state in the country where the government runs dedicated defence preparatory institute for girls.

While congratulating both the lady cadets and their parents for this notable feat, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “I must say this is a day of immense honour and joy for all of Punjab. Our daughters Mehakpreet and Komalpreet have brought laurels to the state through their relentless hardwork.”

“Punjabis have always led from the front; first to win freedom, then to protect its sovereignty. The Punjab government-run Mai Bhago AFPI is taking that spirit to new heights. Our daughters have once again brought glory to Punjab. I congratulate both cadets, their families and every daughter of Punjab,” Mr. Aman Arora said.

The Cabinet Minister further said the another institute, the Sardar Bahadur Amin Chand Soni Armed Forces Preparatory Institute at Bajwara in Hoshiarpur, will be inaugurated soon to prepare youth for commission as officers in the Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, Mr Aman Arora said the foundation stone for the Sant Baba Attar Singh Ji Armed Forces Preparatory Institute at Cheema Mandi in Sangrur, will be laid soon. The institute is expected to be completed in 18 months. Work is also underway to renovate and modernise 14 CPYTE centres, with two new centres coming up in next few months.

Additional Chief Secretary of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Mr. Vikas Pratap said the results reflect the state’s focused approach in defence training for girls as well boys. Mehakpreet and Komalpreet have set a benchmark, while shattering glass ceiling for every daughter for Punjab from small towns and villages. The expansion of AFPIs and CPYTE centres will ensure more youth from Punjab get structured coaching, physical training and personality development to compete at the highest level, he added.

Expressing immense pride, Mai Bhago AFPI Director Maj Gen Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd) said securing AIR-1 against the limited vacancies for women in the Defence Services is extraordinary. Mehakpreet and Komalpreet have given a massive boost to the state government’s mission of sending more daughters of Punjab into uniform.

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CEO Punjab organises training on IT modules for Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

Chandigarh, June 5-In pursuance of the Election Commission of India's (ECI) programme for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of Electoral Rolls, a comprehensive training programme for election officials and technical functionaries of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh was conducted here on Friday.

The training session was organized by the ECI to thoroughly familiarize officials with the Information Technology systems and software applications being deployed during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise. The initiative aimed to build uniform procedural understanding, strengthen IT preparedness, and facilitate the seamless, efficient implementation of the roll revision process.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Ms. Anindita Mitra stated that the Special Intensive Revision is a vital exercise to ensure that the final electoral rolls remain entirely accurate, inclusive, and up to date. She emphasized that well-trained personnel and the strategic utilization of robust technology are foundational to maintaining the absolute integrity and transparency of the democratic process.

The technical sessions were led by senior officers and IT experts from the Election Commission of India. Key participants and facilitators from the ECI included Dr. Seema Khanna, along with a specialized team of technical administrators.

Concluding the session, the CEO of Punjab reiterated the unwavering commitment of the state's election machinery to execute the Special Intensive Revision in a thoroughly professional, transparent, and citizen-centric manner, strictly in line with the ECI's guidelines.

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*Harbhajan Singh ETO reviews road development works across Punjab, directs strict monitoring before monsoon season*

*Public Works Minister orders daily monitoring of all road projects and timely completion*

Chandigarh, June 5:Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO reviewed the progress of road development works across Punjab during a meeting held at PRBDB Office, SAS Nagar (Mohali) today.

The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is undertaking construction and renovation works of 45000 km of roads in the state. During the meeting, he assessed the constituency and division-wise status of ongoing works related to state highways and link roads coming under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department.

Stressing on the completion of works within the stipulated time, the Cabinet Minister directed all the officers to ensure that every ongoing work is completed before the onset of the monsoon season. He directed the Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh to monitor the progress on a daily basis and prepare a progress monitoring sheet for each project on a daily basis so that no work misses the deadline.

He further directed that the work be carried out smoothly by stocking the materials and all other necessary construction materials.

Stressing on quality control, the PWD Minister reminded the officers about the government’s zero tolerance policy to ensure that good quality work is done so that public money is not wasted in any way. He further directed that continuous checks and inspections be carried out by the concerned officers at all levels so that high standards can be strictly maintained at the ground level. He asked the officers to ensure strict compliance of required signboards, lane marking and quality control standards at every stage.

The Cabinet Minister directed all the concerned officers to register the pending demands for funds immediately and make payments so that there is no delay in the progress of the works.

The PWD Minister said that he will soon review the progress of the works and also take stock of the compliance of the instructions issued during the meeting.

The officers of the department present in the meeting included Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Mr. Anil Gupta, Mr. Arasdeep Singh and all the Superintending Engineers.

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PSWC Takes Cognizance of Missing Girls Cases in Ludhiana

Chandigarh, June 5:Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson, Punjab State Women Commission, (PSWC)has taken note of social media reports and public concern regarding the disappearance of several young girls from different areas of Ludhiana.

Acting swiftly, the chairperson Raj lali Gill sought a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, and held discussions with police officials to ascertain the facts.

Ms Gill said that as per the Preliminary report Ten FIRs have been registered at different police stations in Ludhiana based on statements from family members. she said as per the Preliminary inquiries indicate that the girls were not kidnapped or abducted by any individual or organised group. In several cases, they had left home voluntarily for personal or family reasons. Police teams are using technical surveillance, field inquiries, and inter‑agency coordination to trace the missing girls. Several girls have already been traced and safely reunited with their families. she said In one case registered at Jamalpur Police Station, three girls were recovered from their native village in Uttar Pradesh, where they had gone voluntarily for family‑related reasons.

At present, there is no evidence of an organised kidnapping racket or criminal conspiracy. However, all possible angles continue to be thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ms Raj lali Gill said that Punjab State Women Commission and the Punjab Police are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of women. Dedicated teams are working round the clock to trace the remaining missing girls and reunite them with their families at the earliest.

Punjab State women commission chairperson Ms Raj lali Gill appeals to citizens not to circulate unverified information or rumours that may cause panic and anxiety. Anyone with credible information is urged to immediately contact the Ludhiana Police or the Punjab State Women Commission and cooperate with the investigation.

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*PUNJAB LAUNCHES MASSIVE CRACKDOWN ON IRON & STEEL TAX EVASION; 200 VEHICLES DETAINED, RS 7 CRORE GOODS SEIZED: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*

*Over 2400 Metric Tonnes of Goods Intercepted in Mega Drive Across Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna Belt: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Strategic Operation Targets Bogus Billing and Illegal Transport of Iron Scrap and Finished Steel : Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Tax Violators to Face Penalties Exceeding Rs 3.5 Crore, Warns Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 5th JUNE 2026:In a major offensive against tax evaders, Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday announced that the state's taxation department has launched a massive crackdown within the iron and steel sector, detaining over 200 vehicles and seizing goods with an approximate market value of Rs 7 crore. Reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward tax evasion, the Minister disclosed that this special enforcement drive specifically targets bogus billing and the movement of goods without proper documentation, with expected penalties set to exceed Rs 3.5 crore for the violators.

Sharing details of the operation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The State Investigation & Preventive Unit (SIPU) of the taxation department successfully executed this strategic, large-scale enforcement drive today. The operation was heavily concentrated in the state's prominent iron and steel belt, encompassing Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, and adjoining areas, with the primary objective to decisively curb tax evasion occurring through illegal practices."

The Minister revealed that more than 200 vehicles transporting iron scrap and finished steel goods were detained for rigorous verification during the course of this special action. Finance Minister Cheema further added, "The total quantity of the intercepted goods is estimated to be over 2,400 metric tonnes. Our preliminary scrutiny has clearly indicated that several of these consignments were moving either completely without proper invoices and e-way bills, or were supported by highly suspected documentation."

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated that the department is conducting a thorough investigation into the network of bogus billing, and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found disrupting the state's revenue growth.

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* Visitors Turn Green Warriors: Chhatbir Zoo Celebrates World Environment Day with Public Plantation Drive*

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Over 100 Saplings Planted by Tourists; 2,500+ Take Oath to Protect Nature*

*Chandigarh, June 5:* Chhatbir Zoo marked World Environment Day with a unique twist on Thursday. Instead of officials, the shovels were in the hands of common visitors. Tourists from across Punjab and beyond planted over 100 saplings inside the zoo premises, turning a routine visit into a hands-on act of conservation.

The plantation drive was followed by a collective environmental oath, with more than 2,500 visitors pledging to protect and nurture nature in their daily lives.

The initiative was led by Field Director Nalin Yadav and Education cum PRO Harpal Singh. Their effort to involve the public directly in conservation work drew wide appreciation from visitors.

"Environment protection cannot be a one-day affair. When people plant a tree with their own hands, they build a lifelong bond with it," said Field Director Nalin Yadav.

The zoo plans to make public participation a regular feature of its green initiatives, reinforcing the message that conservation begins with every citizen.