Chandigarh, July 5: Described as one of the largest and most significant environmental events in the history of Chandigarh, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today led a massive tree plantation drive across the city on the occasion of 'Van Mahotsav 2025'.

What happened across the city on the occasion was unprecedented. A total of 1,05,874 saplings were planted at 253 pre-defined locations in a single day. From the busy city centres to the serene residential areas, parks, institutional complexes and road dividers, the beauty of the city resonated with the spirit of environmental awareness.

The event not only symbolised the city’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability but also reflected the Governor’s strong personal resolve to make Chandigarh one of India’s greenest, most eco-friendly and most climate-resilient cities.

Displaying an extraordinary level of personal participation, the Governor personally planted saplings at 23 different locations across the city, sending out a powerful message regarding preserving the environment for future generations. The Governor’s presence at so many sites ignited enthusiasm among officials, students, volunteers and citizens, turning the day into a green celebration of collective responsibility and civic pride.

Addressing the public during the tree plantation drive, the Governor called upon every citizen to treat the occasion not as an annual ritual but as a serious pledge for the well-being of our planet. “Van Mahotsav is not just about planting trees; it is about hope, balance and future,” he said. “This is not an event, it is a green movement – one that must resonate in every home, every school, every institution in Chandigarh.” Recalling the profound words of Shri Kanaiyalal Maniklal Munshi, freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, writer and the then Minister of Food and Agriculture of the Government of India – “Vrikshon ka matlab hai jal, jal se roti aur roti se hi jeevan” – the Governor emphasised that the existence of human life is linked to the existence of trees. Without trees, there can be no rain, no rivers, no fertile land – and no future.

The Governor also cited global statistics, which state that over 15 billion trees are lost every year across the world, which is equivalent to the destruction of a forest of 40 football fields every second. “These are not just numbers, these are urgent signals coming from a wounded planet. We must act now, and act with conviction,” he warned. Chandigarh, already known for its remarkable 51.54% green cover, has once again raised the national benchmark with this city-wide campaign.

The Administrator lauded the Administration’s previous efforts – from city forests to urban green corridors – and said that this year, over 5 lakh saplings are to be planted across the Union Territory, reflecting the Administration’s vision for long-term ecological restoration. To lend further credibility to this green commitment, the Governor also inaugurated three key environmental policy frameworks during the event. Green Chandigarh Action Plan, State Action Plan on Climate Change and Chandigarh Tree Map.

In his address, the Governor spoke passionately about India’s deep cultural reverence for trees. From the Vedas to the Puranas, from Peepal to Neem and Tulsi, trees are not just considered part of nature but are also considered divine elements, central to our health, our environment and our spiritual traditions.

He made reference to the sacred Panchamahabhoot Darshan – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky – and said that trees are the silent coordinators of these five elements.

He also referred to the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose eternal line – “Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dhara Mahat” – reminds us that Air is the teacher, Water is the Father and Earth is the Great Mother. The Governor said, “Our relationship with the environment is not contractual, it is emotional. Just as a mother nurtures her children, we must nurture and protect our motherland.”

Linking Chandigarh’s vision with the national mission of institutionalization, the Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to make Chandigarh a Net Zero Emission City by 2030.

He credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for transforming environmental consciousness into a mass movement, especially through campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which beautifully combines emotional connect with ecological action. “Every tree planted in the name of one’s mother is a living tribute – a symbol of love, protection and nurturing,” the Governor said. He urged citizens, especially the youth, to carry forward this spirit. “Let it not be a one-day celebration. Let it be the beginning of a lifelong Green Revolution,” he said. “Planting a tree is planting a life. It is our way of giving back to the motherland that has given us everything.”

The Governor personally led tree plantation at 23 locations in Chandigarh, planting a variety of saplings reflecting ecological, cultural and medicinal value. He planted a sapling of Krashia at Matka Chowk, a Kapoor at Patiala Ki Rao and a Mango tree at Punjab University. He planted a blue Gulmohar sapling at Shantikunj and Neighbourhood Park in Sector 18, while inaugurated Herbal Garden by planting Shyam Tulsi and Amla at Government Model School, Sector 22, followed by Gardenia in Sector 23. He planted Kachnar and Tulsi saplings at CRPF 13 Battalion Camp, Garden of Spring in Sector 53, Gulmohar at GMCH-32 and Government College of Education, Sector 20, Guava at CISF Sector 31, Bixa Orellana and Mango in Mango Belt of Sector 26 and Triveni (Peepal, Banyan, Neem) sapling at Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest. He also inaugurated Taru Vatika at Government Model School, Sector 26 and planted a Rudraksh sapling there.

Mayor Chandigarh Smt.Harpreet Kaur Babla, Principal Secretary to Governor, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh, Shri Mandeep Brar, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, Shri Pushpendra Kumar, DGP Chandigarh, Shri Amit Kumar, Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Shri Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests and other officers of Chandigarh Administration were present on the occasion.