Chandigarh, January 04, 2026:The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today undertook a comprehensive inspection of plantation works being carried out by the Forest Department, Engineering Department, and Municipal Corporation at various locations across the Union Territory.

Shri Kataria, who had set the momentum for the city’s green initiative on 5th July, 2025 by planting saplings at 23 locations across Chandigarh, during which 1,17,836 saplings were planted in a single day, once again led by example by personally reviewing the progress and quality of plantation works at nine different sites. The inspection reflected the Administration’s sustained commitment to environmental conservation and urban greening.

The inspection commenced at Rajendra Park, where Van Mahotsava–2025 was formally launched on 5th July, and continued up to the plantation sites at Kansal within the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. During the visit, the Administrator expressed satisfaction over the maintenance and survival rate of plantations, which ranged between 80% and 95%. He directed officers to ensure the sustained upkeep of saplings so that Chandigarh continues to provide a healthy and green environment for its residents. He further emphasized the need for regular maintenance activities such as weeding, hoeing, watering, and other silvicultural operations to create favourable conditions for healthy plant growth.

Shri Kataria also inspected plantation work undertaken by the Engineering Department at the High Court entry point and along Jan Marg, where over 30,000 saplings have been planted. Thereafter, he visited the high-density Miyawaki plantation site developed by the Municipal Corporation at Rose Nursery, Sector 23, as well as the plantation site at Fragrance Garden, Sector 36.

While inspecting the plantation along Kaimbwala Road behind the Rock Garden, the Administrator appreciated the efforts of the Forest Department in the successful eco-restoration of a sewage-affected forest area. Through effective diversion of sewage and development of bunding structures, the degraded forest land has been transformed into a lush green landscape.

The Administrator further visited the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary to review biodiversity enrichment and eco-restoration works being carried out in the Kansal forest area.

During the inspection, the Administrator was accompanied by Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary, Forest and Environment; Shri Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests; Shri Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; Shri Anup Soni, Conservator of Forests; Shri Navneet Srivastava, DCF; along with forest field staff and senior engineers and officers from the Engineering Department and Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.