CM Nayab Singh Saini gives message of nature’s conservation at 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav

Development must go hand in hand with environmental balance: CM

Target of planting 2.10 crore saplings in Haryana to be achieved through collective efforts: CM

CM lays foundation stone of Saraswati Reservoir, Biodiversity Park and Jungle Safari at Seonsar, Kurukshetra

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said protecting nature and environment is not merely a government initiative but the responsibility of every citizen. Amidst continuous development, we must not forget that the basis of life lies in nature and trees. Issues like climate change, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures can only be addressed through large-scale tree plantation and their protection, which is essential for securing our future. The Haryana Government has set ambitious targets in this regard, including planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state under various campaigns, to be achieved with collective efforts.

The Chief Minister was addressing the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav organized at Seonsar in Kurukshetra district today. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Flora & Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari. He also released the ‘Triphala’ booklet. On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted saplings to give a message of environmental protection. During the ceremony, he also unveiled the Haryana Wildlife Map, Kurukshetra Wildlife Map, and five books prepared by the Forest Department.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav is not just an event, but a symbol of gratitude towards nature, responsibility and a resolve to ensure a happy future for generations to come. This is the third event in the series of this year’s State-Level Van Mahotsav celebrations. Various programmes are also being held at the district level across the state, with active participation from local people and students.

He said Van Mahotsav means a festival of forests, a tribute to nature, and an expansion of greenery. It reminds us that trees are not just a source of wood but the foundation of life. He said while we are moving ahead rapidly in the race for modernity, Van Mahotsav reminds us not to exploit nature but to learn to coexist with it. Recognizing the importance of trees, the government has launched several plantation drives, which have yielded positive results. Many plans have been formulated to increase forest cover.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had also launched a unique campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, on June 5, 2024, on World Environment Day at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. In the first phase of this campaign, a target of planting 1.60 crore saplings in Haryana was set, but the state exceeded the target by planting 1.87 crore saplings. This year, on June 5, the second phase of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” began, with a target of 2.10 crore saplings. Since October 2014, about 18 crore saplings have been planted in the state.

The government has also started special schemes to promote urban forestry so that greenery can be increased in cities. In addition, strict measures have been taken to prevent illegal felling of trees and to protect wildlife. The Forest Department has been instructed to be more proactive in this direction. To make society more sensitive towards forests and wildlife, facilities such as jeep safaris and children’s study tours have been arranged at Kalesar. The ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ has also been launched in South Haryana. This joint project of the Central and State Governments will be implemented in the Aravalli hills of four states, including Haryana, covering 29 districts, five of which are in Haryana.

The state government has also launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to express gratitude towards trees older than 75 years. Under this scheme, an annual pension of Rs 3,000 per tree is given for their maintenance. So far, Rs 1 crore has been deposited in the accounts of caretakers of 3,800 such trees.

For the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants, herbal parks have been developed in various districts. An international-level medicinal forest has been developed in the Morni area. Besides, oxy-vans have also been established in districts.

The Chief Minister appealed to gram panchayats, municipal bodies, and social organizations to turn tree plantation into a mass movement. Students in schools and colleges should be made aware of environmental issues, encouraged to plant trees, and take care of them. Children must be connected to nature from an early age so that they grow up understanding its importance.

He expressed confidence that together, we can build a society where nature and humans coexist, and where development and environmental protection go hand in hand. It is our moral responsibility to leave behind a healthy and green future for the coming generations.

Opposition earlier blamed EVMs, now running a new agenda of ‘vote theft’

The Chief Minister said under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has progressed rapidly over the past 11 years, but the opposition always criticizes the government’s work. He said it is concerning that the opposition’s role today is only to find faults. Taking a jibe, he said the party which ruled the country for 55 years and was shown the door by the people for failing to meet their expectations, used to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) earlier, but now, it has come up with a new agenda of ‘vote chori’. Someone should tell them that votes were not stolen, rather, the people rejected them because of their wrongdoings.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that through Operation Sindoor, our brave soldiers destroyed terrorist camps running in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the opposition even questioned the bravery of our soldiers, which is regrettable. He said the Prime Minister is continuously working to take India forward and has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Van Mahotsav is not just a day for plantation, but opportunity to connect culture, nature and tourism: Naveen Jindal

On the occasion, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said today is not just a day for plantation, but an opportunity to connect our culture, nature, and tourism together. Trees are not only a symbol of greenery, but also the foundation of life. They provide pure air, conserve water sources, protect biodiversity, and help increase farmers’ income.

He said the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has been strongly promoted in Haryana by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, with enthusiastic public participation. Continuing this initiative, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Forest Nature Education Resort at Seonsar. Upon completion, this area will become an ideal model for environmental protection and tourism.

The MP urged the Chief Minister to develop this area as a wildlife sanctuary so that people can experience wildlife and natural beauty here. He appealed to the youth to plant trees and take care of them, and also administered a pledge to all citizens to plant at least five trees every year.

Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, Vice Chairman of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Dhooman Singh Kirmach, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

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Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana flags off Tiranga Yatra in Yamunanagar

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the identity of any country lies in its national flag. He stated that while many countries across the world have faced war situations, India, through skilful diplomacy, has not only evacuated its own citizens from war-torn countries but has also provided a safe passage to citizens of other countries, who used the Indian Tricolour as a symbol of safety to leave those regions. He added that under the policies and firm leadership of former Prime Minister Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the nation grew stronger, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has progressed in every direction.

The Agriculture Minister was speaking after flagging off the Tiranga Yatra from village Uncha Chandna in the Saraswati block of Yamunanagar district with the rousing slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” He said the Tiranga Yatra is organized every year to honour and remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. This year’s Tiranga Yatra commenced from village Uncha Chandna and concluded at village Topra Kalan.

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‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign an opportunity to immerse in patriotic spirit: Ranbir Gangwa

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said the Tricolour is a symbol of our pride, honour, and dignity. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, through the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, has provided the entire nation with an opportunity to be immersed in the spirit of patriotism. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, our country has become one of the world’s leading economies.

Sh. Gangwa was speaking after participating in the grand Tiranga Yatra held in Barwala, Hisar, on Saturday.

He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana has been continuously progressing in the agricultural sector. To create employment opportunities for youth, industrial activities and information technology are being promoted. He appealed to the people to remember that the Tricolour is a symbol of our pride, honour, and dignity. Under this campaign, everyone should hoist the national flag at their homes on August 13, 14, and 15, he added.

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IAS officer Rajesh Jogpal honoured with ‘Community and Social Impact Award’ at 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2025

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana’s Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, IAS, has been honoured with the ‘Community and Social Impact Award’ for his outstanding contribution to innovative governance in urban sustainability. The award was presented yesterday in New Delhi during the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards-2025.

The summit, organised by Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri, in partnership with Grey Matters Communications, brought together agricultural leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the country to deliberate on the future of climate-smart farming.

This year’s theme, “Agriculture 2047: Climate-Ready Farming, Future-Ready India,” reflects the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 mission, aiming to build a climate-resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented agricultural system.

The award was presented by Sh. Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India; Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; and Sh. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister, Public Works Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Government of Delhi.

Upon receiving the award, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal said this recognition is an acknowledgment of the collective efforts of the Haryana’s Cooperative Movement, which is advancing urban sustainability through innovation, public participation, and governance reforms. He said it inspires them to continue working towards climate-resilient and inclusive development. He also stated that the state government aims to further strengthen cooperatives to provide better opportunities for people to become self-reliant.

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Government to preserve Pehowa’s cultural heritage and develop it as a grand tourist destination: CM Nayab Singh Saini

CM inspects Brahma Sarovar in Thana village of Kurukshetra, plants sapling in government school

CM announces grant of ₹21 lakh for development of village

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the government is working to implement plans to preserve Pehowa’s cultural heritage and develop it as a grand and attractive tourist destination. Among these heritage sites, the Brahma Sarovar is a symbol of our culture, and it is the government’s responsibility to preserve it.

An important aspect is that Brahm Sarovar and the surrounding pilgrimage site, spread over about 102 acres, attract migratory birds from across the country and abroad during certain seasons, highlighting its significance. To preserve this, the government is undertaking the renovation and conservation of pilgrimage sites so that future generations can witness this cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a programme held at Brahma Sarovar in village Thana, Kurukshetra, on Sunday. Earlier, he inspected the Brahma Sarovar pilgrimage site and planted a sapling in the premises of the government school. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹21 lakh for the village’s development and assured the sarpanch that the demands mentioned in the memorandum would be fulfilled.

The Chief Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the state government is rapidly carrying out development works. Today, due to the construction of national highways, travel from one corner of the state to another can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, and there is no district left unconnected by a national highway.

He further said the government has enacted a law to transfer up to 500 square yards of panchayat land, occupied for houses by residents for the last 20 years, in their names at the 2004 collector rate. This has also resolved many court cases in villages. The levy imposed on farmers since the British era has been completely abolished, and the government has waived ₹133 crore worth of such levies. Haryana is the first state in the country where all crops of farmers are purchased at MSP, and even vegetable crops are procured under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said under the leadership of the Chief Minister, development works are being carried out not only in Kurukshetra but across Haryana, based on the policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and ‘Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek’. The Chief Minister has given numerous projects to Seonsar and Thana villages of the Pehowa constituency, which in the coming time will give Pehowa pilgrimage town a new identity as a world-renowned tourist destination.

On this occasion, former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha, CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, former MLA Kulwant Bazigar, and other dignitaries were present.

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Details of General Provident Fund for the year 2024-25 released for Haryana government employees and All India Service Officers

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Principal Accountant General (A&E) has released the details of the General Provident Fund (GPF) for the year 2024-25 for Haryana Government employees and All India Service officers (AIS).

As per the circular issued by the Principal Accountant General, employees can download their GPF details from the website www.aghry.nic.in and the HRMS Employee Portal www.intrahry.gov.in. Apart from this, the Accountant General Office has given the facility to the employees to download the annual GPF statements through digilocker from the year 2023-24.

According to the circular, DDO’s of all departments can also access employees’ GPF statements using the ‘DDO code’. In case of any difficulty, employees can contact the helpline number 0172-3503960.

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